Abstract
The implementation of strategies to mitigate possible cases of COVID-19 were addressed at the University of Alicante for the safe reopening of the 2020/2021 academic year. To discover the prevalence of immunity against SARS-CoV-2, a study was designed using a rapid immunoassay test (carried out between 6 and 22 July 2020), and in addition a cross-sectional survey was conducted on risk factors, symptoms, predisposition for becoming vaccinated, and sources of information about COVID-19. A random sample, stratified by students, faculty, and administrative staff, was selected. The seroprevalence found was 2.64% (39/1479; 95% CI 1.8–3.4), and the adjusted seroprevalence was 2.89% (95% CI 2.1–3.7). The average age of the students was 23.2 years old, and 47.6 years old for staff. In relation to COVID-19, the following was found: 17.7% pauci-symptomatic, 1.3% symptomatic, 5.5% contact with cases, 4.9% confined, and 0.3% PCR positive. More than 90% complied with preventive measures. The proportion willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was 91%. Their sources of information were the Internet (74%) and television (70.1%). They requested that the university offer information (45.1%), training (27%), and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (26.3%). Lastly, 87.9% would repeat the test. A plan was established that included the follow-up of cases and contacts, random sample testing, training courses, bimodal teaching, a specific website, and the distribution of PPE.
Highlights
The seroprevalence found for the university community of Alicante in the study period from 6 July to 22 July 2020, was 39/1479 (2.64%; 95% CI 1.8–3.4) through the use of the lateral flow immuno-assay test
As for how the participants traveled to the University campus during the academic period, we found that 91% (1235/1359) generally arrived with a motorized vehicle, and only 9.1% (124/1359) attested arriving on foot or by bicycle (Table 6)
We found no differences in seroprevalence between students and faculty and staff, not everyone who is infected with COVID-19 will develop an immune response [44]
Summary
In Europe, Spain occupies a significant place among the countries that suffered the devastating effects of the disease, as it was one of the first countries affected after Italy [1,2]. This led to the declaration of a lockdown by the government on 14 March 2020, confining the population to their homes with strict measures to limit mobility.
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