Berlin's Schools Reopened Without Coronavirus Outbreaks

The results of an investigation in Germany published on September 10, 2020, suggests that child-to-child transmission in schools and childcare facilities is uncommon and not the primary cause of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. This conclusion is based on the estimation there could be 1 secondary case per roughly 25 infectious school days.

Berlin was one of the first places in Germany to reopen schools, with children obliged to wear masks in hallways, during breaks, and when entering the classroom, but they can take them off once they sit down in class. As of September 8, 2020, Berlin's schools have NOT reported significant COVID-19 outbreaks, reported the Washington Post.

While investigations from Ireland concur with Germany's results, a recent report from Israel showed a large outbreak in apparently over-crowded schools where face-mask usage had been discontinued.