Closing schools for SARS-CoV-2: a pragmatic rapid recommendation.
Geertruida E BekkeringNicolas DelvauxPatrik VankrunkelsvenJaan ToelenSigrid AertgeertsSofie CrommenPedro De BruyckereIgnaas DevischTinne LernoutKatrien MasschalckNore MilissenGeert MolenberghsAnnelies PascalOscar PlomteuxMarc RaesLise RansAlexandra SeghersLode SweldensJeroen VandenbusscheGuido VanhamElke WollantsBert AertgeertsPublished in: BMJ paediatrics open (2021)
The guideline panel issues a strong recommendation against closing schools when the virus circulation is low to moderate, and a weak recommendation against closing schools when the virus circulation is high. It does not apply when the school system cannot function due to lack of teachers, too many children who are at home or a shortage of support services. As the results of international studies are consistent with Belgian study results, this recommendation may also be relevant internationally.