S3-Guideline on Measures for the Prevention and Control of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Schools

Abstract

Aim

This guideline is concerned with measures to prevent and control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in primary and secondary schools, addressing school premises and all school-related activities, as well as routes to and from school.

Methods

This evidence- and consensus-based S3 guideline was registered with the AWMF and developed by guideline panelists representing a broad range of scientific societies across multiple disciplines, public health and educational institutions, as well as associations of those directly affected, notably teachers, students and parents.

Recommendations

This guideline contains recommendations on hybrid learning and cohorting of classes or students, wearing masks, measures on the way to school and in class, managing suspected cases and contact persons in schools, options for reducing aerosol concentrations in classrooms and testing strategies. In developing these, the guideline panel considered: balance of health benefits and harms, legal aspects, socio-cultural acceptability, health equity and non-discrimination, social and ecological consequences, financial and economic consequences and feasibility.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel

Diese Leitlinie befasst sich mit Maßnahmen zur Prävention und Kontrolle der Übertragung von SARS-CoV-2 in Grundschulen und weiterführenden Schulen. Sie berücksichtigt sowohl das Schulgelände und alle schulbezogenen Aktivitäten als auch die Wege von und zur Schule.

Methoden

Diese evidenz- und konsensbasierte S3-Leitlinie wurde bei der AWMF registriert und von einem Leitliniengremium erarbeitet, das ein breites Spektrum wissenschaftlicher Fachgesellschaften aus verschiedenen Disziplinen, Einrichtungen des öffentlichen Gesundheitswesens und des Bildungswesens sowie Verbände der direkt Betroffenen, insbesondere Lehrer, Schüler und Eltern, vertritt.

Empfehlungen

Die Leitlinie enthält Empfehlungen zu hybridem Lernen und Kohortenbildung von Klassen oder Schülern, dem Tragen von Masken, Maßnahmen auf dem Schulweg und im Unterricht, dem Umgang mit Verdachtsfällen und Kontaktpersonen in Schulen, Möglichkeiten zur Reduzierung der Aerosolkonzentration in Klassenzimmern und Teststrategien. Bei der Entwicklung dieser Empfehlungen berücksichtigte das Leitlinienteam das Gleichgewicht zwischen gesundheitlichem Nutzen und Schaden, rechtliche Aspekte, soziokulturelle Akzeptanz, gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit und Nichtdiskriminierung, soziale und ökologische Folgen, finanzielle und wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen sowie die Umsetzbarkeit.

Keywords

COVID-19 - children and adolescents - school - WHO-INTEGRATE - public - health - infection control

Schlüsselwörter

COVID-19 - Kinder und Jugendliche - Schule - WHO-INTEGRATE - Public - Health - Infektionskontrolle

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
10. Juli 2025

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