The SPRING Study: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 prevalence in children and young adults in British Columbia: an observational study

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Diagnostics, Genomics & Transmission Dynamics, Epidemiology & Public Health, Vaccines & Treatments

Researchers would like to find out how many children and young adults in BC may have been infected with  SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that was identified in December 2019 which causes the infectious disease known as COVID-19). The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic due to the rapid increase in the number of cases globally. Many cases in children, as well as in adults, have been mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic (without symptoms). This study will help researchers better understand the rates of COVID-19 infection amongst children and youth in BC, which are currently unknown. This valuable information can help to guide policies and recommendations in BC for both work and school environment. This study will enroll 16,000 participants under 25 years of age living in BC. Participants will be asked to answer an online survey and collect a dried blood spot sample at home, which will be mailed to the research center and tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

Collaboration opportunities:
The study is currently enrolling participants. For more information, please visit: https://bcchr.ca/vec/research/spring-study