Impact of university re-opening on total community COVID-19 burden.

ABSTRACT:

Background

University students have higher average number of contacts than the general population. Students returning to university campuses may exacerbate COVID-19 dynamics in the surrounding community.

Methods

We developed a dynamic transmission model of COVID-19 in a mid-sized city currently experiencing a low infection rate. We evaluated the impact of 20,000 university students arriving on September 1 in terms of cumulative COVID-19 infections, time to peak infections, and the timing and peak level of critical care occupancy. We also considered how these impacts might be mitigated through screening interventions targeted to students.

Results

If arriving students reduce their contacts by 40% compared to pre-COVID levels, the total number of infections in the commun

SUBMITTER: Cipriano LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8360395 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature