Flexible school attendance strategies for epidemic outbreaks: simulation-based decision support

This study proposed a framework for the phased adjustment of infection control measures in schools with increasing knowledge of the characteristics of an emerging infectious disease. Simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the framework. This framework enables the selection of effective staggered school attendance methods that balance infection suppression with educational and social considerations. The framework could be extended to other environments, such as workplaces and public facilities, providing a comprehensive infection control strategy that mitigates social and educational burdens. Future research should explore the framework's application to a broader range of infectious disease scenarios to enhance its feasibility for real-world policy implementation.