Safe school reopening under COVID-19 restrictions : measures implemented in San Andrea Independent School in Malta

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Social distancing mandated by COVID-19 so as to slow viral spread resulted in school closures in 2020. Reopening schools could be safe if accompanied by precautionary measures. This paper describes the events leading up to school closures in Malta with reference to San Andrea independent school, and the measures and contingency plans created by the school during Malta’s soft lockdown and summer holidays for safe school reopening.

METHODS: The school approach was summarised and almost one year of surveillance is presented.

RESULTS: San Andrea has had 11 COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to the time of writing (March 2021). Only one of these cases was via transmission within the school.

DISCUSSION: Schools have had to close again due to a resurgence of COVID-19 that has been potentially attributed to the paediatric age group who are manifesting high transmission rates due to the UK variant (B.1.1.7) which is a highly transmissible strain. It would appear that Malta’s ongoing rapid vaccine rollout may be the only factor that may allow pandemic control and school reopening.