Reopening schools fully in September could spread Covid-19 from Devon to Cumbria and infect hundreds of families, Sage scientists fear

  • Scientists fear schools have the potential to boost the number of infections 
  • Members of Sage fear it may not be possible to open them fully next year 
  • It comes as the PM revealed a dramatic loosening of lockdown restrictions  
Opening schools 'fully' in September could lead to hundreds of families being infected with coronavirus and force parts of the economy to close down again, the government's scientific advisers fear. 
Although children are thought to be less likely to transmit Covid-19, schools link up large numbers of households, meaning the experts believe a 'surprisingly small' chain of infections could rapidly take the virus from Devon to Cumbria.   
Due to this risk, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) are concerned it will not be possible to re-admit all pupils at the start of the next academic year without going back to a much harsher lockdown. 
Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England
Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser
Members of Sage - the two most high profile members of which are Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England and Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser - have expressed concerns about the reopening of schools 
Boris Johnson told the Commons yesterday that 'primary and secondary education will recommence in September with full attendance'.
However, sources close to Sage told The Times this may not be possible without closing down parts of the economy again. 
They are concerned both about the potential for schools to spread the virus and the risk of people behaving in a less careful manner due to the impression that things had returned to normal. It came as the two most senior scientists advising the government on coronavirus warned that Mr Johnson's decision to further loosen restrictions could lead to a resurgence in cases. 
Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said the changes were 'absolutely not without risk while Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, said they would have to be reversed if outbreaks began spreading. 
Their warnings came amid concerns the hospitality industry had been prioritised over education - although others point to the millions of jobs that would have been lost if the sector had not been allowed to reopen. 
Boris Johnson told the Commons yesterday that 'primary and secondary education will recommence in September with full attendance'. File pic
Boris Johnson told the Commons yesterday that 'primary and secondary education will recommence in September with full attendance'. File pic 
Yesterday, the Prime Minister said he wanted to 'make life easier' after an 'incredibly tough time' for people all over the country and revealed that bars, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers in England will be able to get back up and running from July 4.
He announced that the social distancing rule is being halved to 'one metre plus' to free up thousands of business, with precautions such as face masks deployed to make sure the risks of transmission stay 'broadly' the same.
Two households will also be able to gather indoors - meaning families will be able to reunite for the first time in months - though social distancing rules are still in place.
Other relaxations of rules include the resumption of church and other religious services - including wedding ceremonies for up to 30 people - though there is a ban on singing as it poses a 'particular' threat of spread.
However, nail bars, gyms and swimming pools will remain off limits and even the relaxed restrictions will come with strings attached, with social distancing measures still very much in place and encouraged by both Mr Johnson and his advisers. 

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