Feasibility of a Saliva-Based COVID-19 Screening Program in Abu Dhabi Primary Schools

Abstract

The pandemic has forced closures of primary schools resulting in loss of learning time on a global scale. In addition to face coverings, social distancing, and hand hygiene, an efficient testing method is important to mitigate spread of COVID-19 in schools. We evaluated the feasibility of a saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing program on 18 primary schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Qualitative results show that children 4 to 5 years had difficulty producing an adequate saliva specimen compared to those 6 to 12 years. A short training video on saliva collection beforehand helps demystify the process for students and parents alike. Informed consent was challenging and should be done beforehand by school health nurses or other medical professionals to reassure parents and maximize participation. Telephone interviews with school administrators resulted in an overall 83.3% response rate. 93% of school administrators had a positive experience with saliva testing and felt the program improved the safety of their schools. 73% of respondents supported the ongoing use of saliva testing for SARS-CoV-2 on their school campuses. On-campus saliva testing is a feasible option for primary schools to screen for COVID-19 in their student population to help keep their campuses safe and open for learning.