Substudies

The main part of the research involves testing saliva samples in schools for current Covid-19 infection. Our sub-studies are looking into different aspects of schools' response to the pandemic:

• Germ defence - helping people protect themselves from Covid-19 in schools
• Digital health - co-designing a digital system to helps schools manage Covid-19
• Contact patterns in schools
• School Life during Covid-19

Waste water

CoMMinS schools were also invited to take part in the Waste Water sub-study, a pilot study of automated sewage surveillance systems to detect coronavirus infection in schools in England. This study aimed to inform public health protection and infection control strategies at local community level.

By testing the sewage output from selected schools, we were able to detect the presence of Covid-19 within the school staff and pupils, confirming that wastewater testing is an effective, non-invasive way to detect Covid-19 outbreaks in school communities.

To find out more about the Waste Water study, please email: BVC-coordinators@bristol.ac.uk.