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Table 3 Summary of Pros and Cons of Different School Testing Strategies

From: Simulating preventative testing of SARS-CoV-2 in schools: policy implications

Testing Strategy

Major Pros

Major Cons

Random regular testing in which all or a sample of students and schools are tested regularly

Can be integrated into routine in-school childhood vaccinations

Large samples maybe needed to be effective

One-time testing of all students and teachers returning to schools after summer holidays or school closure

Can help reducing the anxiety of reopening among the students, schools’ staff and parents

Lsrge number of tests to be processed at a given time and may not prevent contamination after testing.

Testing students and teachers with symptoms

Small number of tests are required.

Detects symptomatic cases only