Abstract

We examined the feasibility of implementing preventive measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission across 105 English primary schools in summer 2020 via a survey and interviews with headteachers. High rates of implementation of most recommended measures were noted with the exception of requiring 2 m distance for students, fitting hand sanitizers in classrooms and introducing one-way systems in school corridors. Measures such as regular handwashing and stopping assemblies were considered easy to implement. Majorly challenging measures included distancing between individuals (for students: 51%, N = 99; for staff: 34%; N = 98; for parents: 26%, N = 100), spacing out desks (34%, N = 99), keeping same staff assigned to each student group (33%, N = 97) and staggering break times (25%, N = 99). Rapid implementation was facilitated by staff commitment and communication among stakeholders, but hampered by limitations with guidance received, physical environments, resources, parental adherence and balancing preventive measures with learning. Difficulties with distancing for younger children suggest that smaller bubbles with fewer distancing requirements within these may be a policy option. Schools require further financial, human resource and other support for effective implementation of preventive measures.

中文翻译：

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实施预防 COVID-19 的预防措施：2020 年夏季对英国小学的全国研究

 抽象的

我们通过调查和对校长的采访，研究了 2020 年夏季在 105 所英国小学实施预防措施以防止 SARS-CoV-2 传播的可行性。除了要求学生保持 2 m 的距离、在教室安装洗手液以及在学校走廊引入单向系统之外，大多数建议措施的实施率很高。定期洗手和停止集会等措施被认为很容易实施。主要具有挑战性的措施包括人与人之间的距离（对于学生：51%， N = 99；对于工作人员：34%； N = 98；对于家长：26%， N = 100），间隔桌子（34%， N = 99） ，保持为每个学生小组分配相同的工作人员（33％， N = 97）并错开休息时间（25％， N = 99）。工作人员的承诺和利益相关者之间的沟通促进了快速实施，但由于收到的指导、物理环境、资源、家长的依从性以及预防措施与学习之间的平衡等方面的限制而受到阻碍。年幼儿童保持距离的困难表明，其中距离要求较少的较小泡沫可能是一种政策选择。学校需要进一步的财政、人力资源和其他支持，以有效落实预防措施。