The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools and childcare settings is “very low” and can easily be managed with case-contact tracing, a first-of-its-kind Australian study has shown.

The findings — that suggest children are unlikely to spread the virus to others — should help authorities in decision-making around school closures, according to researchers led by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), Sydney.

The team tracked all confirmed COVID-19 cases who attended a NSW school or early childhood education and care service while infectious during the first term of the school year (25 January to 10 April) and investigated the potential for transmission.

During the study period, there were 27 primary cases — 12 children and 15 staff — identified in 15 schools and 10 childcare centres, with a total of 1448 close contacts.