A cross-sectional national investigation of COVID-19 outbreaks in nurseries during rapid spread of the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant of SARS-CoV-2 in England.

Background: In England, the emergence the more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant Alpha (B.1.1.

Effectiveness of oral aciclovir in preventing maternal chickenpox: A comparison with VZIG.

Objectives: Although often presenting as a self-limiting childhood disease, chickenpox can have serious consequences if acquired in pregnancy. Until April 2022, the UK recommendations were that varicella immunoglobulin (VZIG) should be administered intramuscularly to susceptible pregnant women exposed to chickenpox prior to 20 weeks gestation. Oral aciclovir or VZIG was recommended if exposure occurred at 20+ weeks gestation.

COVID-19 outbreaks following full reopening of primary and secondary schools in England: Cross-sectional national surveillance, November 2020.

Background: The full reopening of schools in September 2020 was associated with an increase in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in educational settings across England.

Methods: Primary and secondary schools reporting an outbreak (≥2 laboratory-confirmed cases within 14 days) to Public Health England (PHE) between 31 August and 18 October 2020 were contacted in November 2020 to complete an online questionnaire.

Interpretation: There were 969 school outbreaks reported to PHE, comprising 2% ( = 450) of primary schools and 10% ( = 519) of secondary schools in England.