School reopening should be guided by solid evidence and mitigation measures against Covid-19

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes that decisions on school reopening during Covid-19 should be based on solid evidence and mitigation strategies, highlighting the importance of transparent data and context-specific risk assessment.

Contribution

It critically reviews a recent study claiming schools are safe, pointing out methodological oversights and the need for careful, evidence-based decision making.

Findings

Highlights the importance of risk-based approaches for school reopening

Critiques the interpretation of data linking school openings to Covid-19 spread

Underscores the need for transparent, context-aware risk evaluation

Abstract

The debate on the role of school closures as a mitigation strategy against the spread of Covid-19 is gaining relevance due to emerging variants in Europe. According to WHO, decisions on schools "should be guided by a risk-based approach". However, risk evaluation requires sound methods, transparent data and careful consideration of the context at the local level. We review a recent study by Gandini et al., on the role of school opening as a driver of the second COVID-19 wave in Italy, which concluded that there was no connection between school openings/closures and SARS-CoV-2 incidence. infections. This analysis has been widely commented in Italian media as conclusive proof that "schools are safe". However the study presents severe oversights and careless interpretation of data.