Regular rapid testing in schools can help prevent COVID-19 outbreaks - SFU study

SFU researchers found that regular testing of all students in a class was effective in preventing COVID-19 outbreaks in schools. 

The experts used a mathematical model to explore how COVID-19 transmission occurs in the classroom. They found that regular proactive testing, before any infected individuals start showing symptoms, was effective in preventing large transmission clusters.

They found that control measures that happen after a case is detected, such as testing those with symptoms and notifying their contacts, can reduce the size of large clusters. However, this is not the most effective approach because some individuals are asymptomatic and infectious. 

Their preprint research follows news of the first COVID-19 outbreak in a Kelowna B.C. school. 

AVAILABLE SFU EXPERTS 

CAROLINE COLIJN, Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematics for Evolution, Infection and Public Health 
ccolijn@sfu.ca

PAUL TUPPER, professor, mathematics 
pft3@sfu.ca

CONTACT 

MELISSA SHAW, SFU  Communications & Marketing 
236.880.3297 | melissa_shaw@sfu.ca

ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

As Canada’s engaged university, SFU works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to today’s problems. With campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey—SFU has eight faculties that deliver 193 undergraduate degree programs and 127 graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 students. The university now boasts more than 165,000 alumni residing in 143 countries.