COVID-19 Pandemic Highlights Need for Evidence-Informed Decision-Making in Schools

Strategic Insights -

A nationwide web-based survey in Japan revealed significant changes in infection control strategies in schools across three academic years (2022-2024), in response to the evolving public health challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics International, found that mitigation efforts such as compulsory mask usage and routine disinfection of shared spaces declined substantially, while hand hygiene and classroom ventilation remained prioritized.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic required schools to dynamically adjust infection control strategies in response to evolving public health challenges.
  • Between 2022 and 2024, key mitigation efforts such as compulsory mask usage declined from 84.3% to 2.2%, and routine disinfection of shared spaces declined from 89.7% to 12.3%.
  • Hand hygiene and classroom ventilation remained consistently prioritized throughout the study period.
  • The proportion of schools hosting events without restrictions increased substantially.
  • Around 50% of schools reported using infection prevention tools not officially recommended.
  • While the proportion of schools implementing 7-10 infection prevention measures decreased from 93.4% in 2022 to 50.2% in 2023, schools with 0-3 measures increased from 16.2% in 2023 to 64.8% in 2024.
  • This study highlights the need for evidence-informed decision-making and closer partnerships with infectious disease experts to improve preparedness for future public health crises.

Statistics:

  • 84.3% of schools required students to wear masks in 2022, compared to 2.2% in 2024.
  • 89.7% of schools conducted routine disinfection of shared spaces in 2022, compared to 12.3% in 2024.
  • Hand hygiene remained consistently prioritized at 62.1% in 2022 and 74.2% in 2024.
  • Classroom ventilation remained consistently prioritized at 76.5% in 2022 and 82.1% in 2024.
  • 50% of schools reported using infection prevention tools not officially recommended.
  • 50.2% of schools implemented 0-3 infection prevention measures in 2023.
  • 64.8% of schools implemented 0-3 infection prevention measures in 2024.
  • 93.4% of schools implemented 7-10 infection prevention measures in 2022.

Sources:

  • "School infection control strategy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: Nationwide trends (2022-2024)." Pediatrics International, 2025;67(1).
  • NewsRx. Findings in the Area of COVID-19 Reported from National Center for Child Health and Development [School infection control strategy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: Nationwide trends (2022-2024)]. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 63.
  • Japan Science and Technology Agency (financial support for the research)
  • National Center for Child Health and Development (research institution)
  • National Center for Child Health and Development, Dept. of Social Medicine, Tokyo, Japan (contact information for additional information)