The UK’s chief medical officers said it would help reduce disruption to education.
It comes after the government’s vaccine committee said there was not enough benefit to warrant it on health grounds alone - but they said ministers could take into account other factors. The CMOs concluded this tipped the balance given the virus was going to keep spreading over winter. They said closures of schools were unlikely, but disruption to face-to-face education was likely since pupils and teachers who test positive have to isolate for 10 days.
In a letter to ministers, the CMOs warned missing face-to-face school had a “massive impact” on children, both physically, emotional and in terms of their life chances. They said only direct benefits to children were considered rather than wider impact to society.
It will now be up to ministers whether to accept the recommendation of the four CMOs.
Over to BJ … 