The peer-reviewed study, published earlier this week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, analyzed the transmission of COVID-19 to 180 homes in Ottawa, OD. area between September 2020 and October 2021, and it was found that since the first person in the home tested positive for COVID-19, 49.1 percent of people in the same home would also be positive later.
In all, 239 of the 487 people in the same household as someone with COVID-19 would later be positive for the virus.
Dr Maala Bhatt, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Ottawa and lead author of the study, believes the study is a reminder that Canadians must continue to take appropriate precautions.
“I know many people want to ‘live with COVID’ and abandon the previously imposed levels of protection, but it is important to know the high transmissibility of this virus indoors, such as in schools,” he told a news release.
“Our most vulnerable and young children who are not yet able to be vaccinated are still at risk of being infected with COVID.”
Maala also notes that this study was conducted prior to the advent of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, which means that the transmission rate in the household is probably higher than this research shows.
“While we are fortunate that hospitals are not currently overcrowded, emergency departments are and positivity rates are rising, even among children,” Bhatt said.
“As the significant transmission of COVID-19 continues within households and throughout the community, it is important that you continue to do what you can to keep yourself and those around you safe – wearing a mask indoors, “Wash your hands, get vaccinated at all the doses you are entitled to, stay home if you are sick and limit close contact.”
While the study found that adults were more likely to transmit the virus to others in the home, the study found that children “were a significant source of spread” and accounted for about a third of the household transmission.
“The role of children in transmission requires attention, as they are often asymptomatic or have mild symptoms,” the study noted.
“Addressing this gap in the literature would allow for a more informed approach to public health initiatives, as COVID-19 pandemic control strategies have often affected the lives of children and young people, as well as their overall well-being.”
