Schools boost as huge coronavirus study ‘finds little evidence’ pupils spread Covid-19 ahead of September reopening
SCHOOLS have been given a boost for reopening in September after a major study says there is “little evidence” pupils spread Covid-19.
A study looking at coronavirus in schools is being carried out in 100 institutions in the UK and is expected to conclude “there is very little evidence that the virus is transmitted” there, according to a leading scientist.
The President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of the government advisory group Sage Professor Russell Viner said: “A new study that has been done in UK schools confirms there is very little evidence that the virus is transmitted in schools.
“This is the some of the largest data you will find on schools anywhere. Britain has done very well in terms of thinking of collecting data in schools.”
The Public Health England study is expected to be published later this year.
About 20,000 pupils and teachers in 100 schools across England were tested to monitor the spread of the disease up to the end of the summer term.
It’s hoped the research will help calm people’s fears about the expanded reopening of schools for the start of the new school year next month.
Prof Viner, 57, said a full reopening of schools is “imperative”.
‘IMPERATIVE’ SCHOOLS REOPEN
He said that kids had lost friendships, missed months of lesson and will suffer long-term social, mental and academic problems if schools remained closed, reports The Times.
He said teenager, in particular, suffered from being cut off from their friends as this was bad for development.
Prof Viner added that if the test and trace system was not fully operational to combat a surge in the virus then the government must close pubs, clubs, some shops or any businesses “not essential to the future of society” to allow schools, “which are essential to our future”, to reopen.
He also said schools must have tests that can be turned around within 24 hours so rapid isolation of infected people could be effective.
He said: “It is absolutely essential for schools to reopen in September. The risks to children from Covid are very low and the risks of school closures we know are very serious.
“Britain as a nation should stand up and say: our children are essential. Reopening schools is essential.
“If we do not feel test and trace is fully in place by September, we need to look carefully at the level of R [rating the virus’s ability to spread] at that point and look at what trade-offs may be necessary.
The risks to children from Covid are very low and the risks of school closures we know are very serious.
Professor Russell Viner
“That is when I would be very clear that schools need to be open before pubs and clubs.”
He added: “I think many Britons would find it very difficult to think pubs were open when schools were shut.
“It is about what is necessary for the future of society and what is not. Schools are necessary and I am afraid that pubs are not.”
The study comes after fears grew schools might only open their doors until lunchtime when pupils are due back in the classroom in September.
Hardline teaching unions had threatened many schools won’t re-open at all in September amid fears over coronavirus safety measures.
Some schools will be doing this twice a week and some may close at an earlier time on all five days.
Head teachers claim schools need to close early so staff can carry out the extra safety measures caused by the pandemic, including more time for deep cleaning.
One teacher has died from the virus in the UK – and they didn’t pick it up from school, according to papers from the Government advisory group Sage.
The average number of confirmed Covid-19 cases among children is close to zero and it’s believed no child has needed hospital treatment since the beginning of June.
Three teachers needed hospital care over the same period.
Several schools will reportedly send their children home early at least one afternoon a week so teachers can plan lessons and mark work.
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Teachers would do their marking while a teaching assistant would take over the class, but schools say this is difficult as teachers and students remain in a bubble.
Nine out of ten parents back the full reopening of schools next month.
The Office for National Statistics found 88 per cent of parents were “likely” or “fairly likely” to send their kid back to class.