This is a prospective evaluation of a program that is being implemented using a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized design.
Eligible elementary public schools Toronto Region in low SARS-CoV-2 incidence regions (quintiles 1,2 or 3) will be randomized. The study will occur over a 7-week period with a minimum of one-week of baseline data (control phase - testing at an assessment center, primary care or acute care center) and then schools will start the program in a stepwise manner (20 crossovers per week) with take-home saliva being available to all 120 schools by the end of the study period. The primary objective of the study is to assess whether the availability of take home saliva kits at schools for symptomatic testing leads to increased diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 cases in the school.
