Cover Image for System.Linq.Enumerable+EnumerablePartition`1[System.Char]

An evidence-based theory of change for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in reopened schools

OAI: oai:purehost.bath.ac.uk:openaire_cris_publications/76b06222-6c53-44b9-b29e-8f7788ed6299 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102398
Published by:

Abstract

Schools have closed worldwide as part of measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission but are beginning to reopen in some countries. Various measures are being pursued to minimise transmission but existing guidance has not developed a comprehensive framework or theory of change. We present a framework informed by the occupational health hierarchy of control and a theory of change informed by realist approaches. We present measures focused on elimination, substitution, engineering, administration, education and personal protective equipment. We theorise that such measures offer a means of disrupting SARS-CoV-2 transmission via routes involving fomites, faeco-oral routes, droplets and aerosols.