Dataset from Impact of COVID-19 Testing and Mitigation on Equitable Return-to-School in the Second Largest U.S. School District

Background: This study examined how COVID-19 surveillance testing influenced secondary infection, school attendance, and disparities associated with student characteristics including poverty and race/ethnicity in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The study also assessed disparities in parent perceptions of safety, decisions to return in-person, and daily attendance.

Materials/Methods: Aim 1 estimated the impact of COVID-19 surveillance testing on secondary infection and attendance. Aim 2 characterized how burden, perception of risk, and school and community conditions affected return to in-person learning and attendance. Aim 3 assessed parent and student safety concerns associated with lack of information, misinformation, or misunderstanding of risk.

Outcome/Impact: Study outcomes included total cases identified through surveillance testing, school-based secondary infection, decision to return, daily attendance, and missed school days due to isolation and due to quarantine. The study increased school/community partnership and stakeholder engagement to inform return to school mechanisms.