Frequency of SARS-CoV2 infection in day care centers during reopening of
the school activities
Abstract
Background: SARS-Cov2 already has over than 215 million people and more
than 4.5 million fatalities. The beginning of the pandemic condition has
led the health authorities in several countries to adopt
no-pharmacological preventive measures, such as schools closures. The
return took place at a time when the country had the highest rates of
infection and mortality. In particular because of the circulation of the
gamma variant (P.1) and the vaccination program were beginning in the
country. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV2
in daycares after the return of educational activities. Methods The
study involved seven childcare facilities. Swab samples from the
nasopharynx and region were collected from each participant. This study
was carried out between March 16 and September 3, 2021. Viral RNA was
extracted using Invitrogen’s RNA purification kit. Viral diagnosis was
obtained using RT-PCR, through the TaqMan system. Viral detection was
performed with Seegene panel, Allplex TM 2019-nCoV Assay kit. Results
and Conclusion: The study population included 201 participants among
daycare workers and children. Only one sample (0,5%) was tested
positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, which was an asymptomatic
childcare worker, and no secondary cases were detected. Considering that
the return to day care activities occurred in a period with high number
of cases of deaths and lack of vaccines throughout the country, it is
believed that the several preventive measures used by the day care
center could be an indication of effectiveness in preventing
transmission of SARS-CoV2.