Safer at Schools Early Alert (SASEA)

Situation or Background
The Safer at School Early Alert (SASEA) pilot project was a partnership between UC San Diego and 12 elementary schools and childcare facilities across San Diego County, which focused on COVID-19 mitigation efforts at the onset of the pandemic.

Our Goal or What We’re Doing
The project validated wastewater sampling and surface swabs to detect COVID-19 infections and stop outbreaks in school and childcare facilities. In addition an online community resource hub was developed and community survey data was collected throughout the project.

Approach or Methodology
SASEA used a unique methodology of wastewater analysis alongside community survey data to best provide COVID-19 information and resources to partnered sites. School communities received COVID-19 wastewater data, positive COVID-19 surface swab results, positive PCR swab results, and county resources for families with positive individuals.

Impact and What We’re Learning
Our data indicates that masking has a positive effect on reduced levels of COVID-19 in wastewater data. Through our community surveys we have found high levels of trust in school community leadership. Our work can further inform public health strategies towards pandemic responses in school communities.