COVID-19 RT-qPCR-based screening in Austrian schools and incidences in the general population: a Bayesian spatiotemporal analysis

Abstract

In 2021, the emergence of highly transmissible COVID-19 variants of concern increased susceptibility among younger populations. Despite this risk, face-to-face education remained essential for societal functioning and children's well-being, prompting the Austrian government to implement a nationwide screening program in educational institutions. This study explores the impact of this program on COVID-19 transmission by examining the relationship between incidence rates and factors such as age, vaccination coverage, and RT-qPCR positivity rates among school-aged children across Austrian districts, using a Bayesian spatiotemporal discrete model. Our findings highlight significant effects of vaccination and positivity rates on COVID-19 incidence, with variations in their influence across different age groups and locations. These results underscore the importance of monitoring these variables, particularly when active screening programs are in place.