![]() We collected epidemiological (cases of respiratory diseases), environmental (CO 2, aerosol, and particle concentrations), and molecular data (detection of respiratory viruses in bioaerosol and human saliva samples) over a seven-week study period from January to March 2022 in 2 secondary schools in Switzerland. We hypothesized that our approach could demonstrate transmission (indicated by exposure to bioaerosols and epidemiological data) and that infection control measures (mask wearing and air cleaners) would reduce the concentration of aerosols and respiratory particles and lower the risk of infection for students in school rooms. ![]() We used a multiple-measurement approach to study the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in school rooms. Finally, a simulation study of exhaled SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosols in an indoor space demonstrated the efficacy of mask wearing and portable air cleaners in reducing aerosols. In addition, the installation of portable HEPA-air filtration devices (air cleaners) was shown to remove SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosols in a hospital ward. The introduction of compulsory face mask wearing and improved ventilation in schools was associated with a lower incidence of COVID-19. Studies on the effectiveness of government interventions at the population level are inconclusive regarding the effects of school closures in different epidemic waves. A study in Germany estimated that school contacts contributed between 2% and 20% to the overall transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the population. While the negative impact of school closures on student well-being and mental health is well documented, the role of children and adolescents in transmitting SARS-CoV-2 is less clear. Public authorities worldwide closed businesses and schools during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but the closure of schools was particularly contentious. Growing evidence suggests they contribute importantly to the overall spread of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor congregate settings such as clinics, workplaces, and schools. Multiple reports have provided evidence that a considerable part of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is likely to happen through small respiratory particles (2 m). Person-to-person transmission mainly occurs through exhaled respiratory particles containing the respective pathogen, particularly via aerosols (defined as respiratory particles 100 μm. ![]() The spread of respiratory infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza is difficult to control. ![]()
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