CDC report: SARS-CoV-2 in children linked to close contact with COVID-19, not in-person school or child care

Children and adolescents in Mississippi who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus were more likely to report close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 and less likely to report consistent mask use at school, according to a study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, children who attended school or child care in person during the two weeks before the test were not more likely to test positive for the virus, based on testing Sept.1 to Nov. 5 at outpatient centers and emergency departments associated with the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

“To help slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, persons exposed to someone with COVID-19 should stay home, in addition to adhering to recommendations to wear masks, maintain social distance, and wash hands often,” the authors said. “If a family member or other close contact is ill, additional prevention measures can be taken to reduce transmission, such as wearing masks, reducing shared meals and items, cleaning and disinfecting the home, and wearing gloves for those with and without known COVID-19.”