Preparedness for surveillance in school rooms in pandemic and epidemic situations: multiple measure approach to estimate transmission and interventions for Covid-19 and seasonal influenza

Lead Applicant: Prof. Dr. med. Lukas Fenner (Cluster: Epidemiology)

Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)

Co-Lead Applicant: Prof. Dr. med. Philipp Jent (Cluster: Patient-Focused Research)

Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital Bern

Co-Applicant: Dr. Pascal Bittel (Cluster: Microbiology)

Institute for Infectious Diseases (IFIK)

Co-Applicant: Prof. Dr. Tina Hascher (Cluster: Society and Law)

Institute of Educational Science (IES)

Congregate settings, such as schools, play an essential role in SARS-CoV-2 and influenza transmission. Keeping schools open during pandemic situations is an important societal goal. Therefore, understanding the spread of respiratory viruses at schools and children’s emotional worries is important. We will set up a multiple measure approach in secondary schools (Sek. I) using a wide range of biological (e.g., indoor carbon dioxide, relative humidity, particles and viral copies in the room air) and person-related data (e.g., number of people in the classroom), as well as information of the children’s well-being. This will guide public health authorities in epidemic/pandemic situations.

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