Pubs and restaurants may have to shut for schools to reopen fully in September, Government scientists warn

PUBS and restaurants may have to shut in order for schools to reopen fully in September, Government scientists have warned.

Professor Chris Whitty said getting children back into the classroom is pivotal for the “wellbeing of our country” - and hinted that Brits will have to sacrifice other freedoms as cases rise.

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The chief medical officer today warned that relaxing rules further will "absolutely, inevitably" lead to a resurgence of the virus.

And he said said the country had “probably reached near the limits” of what can be reopened.

“What that means potentially is that if we wish to do more things in the future we may have to do less of some other things," he said.

“But people I think are very clear for example, that schools are an absolute priority for the welfare of children.”

Further relaxation of the rules must be "stopped now" - and maybe "pulled back a bit", he said.

There are fears that Brits could have to return to draconian measures seen in the spring and be told to avoid public transport or meet other households, meaning more time away from family and friends.

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And the Government's scientific advisory group for emergencies - or SAGE - have warned there needs to be "sufficient headroom" in the rate of Covid-19 infections in order for schools to reopen safely.

And it even said the hospitality sector may have to take the hit to reduce the risk of transmission in society. 

Telling ministers that pubs and restaurants may have to close at the end of the summer, the scientists said: "It is important to ensure that there will be enough 'room' in terms of the epidemic to open schools in September... there is a strong case for prioritising opening schools over other establishments."

There is a strong case for prioritising opening schools over other establishments.

SAGE

But the minutes said the evidence still pointed to there being a low risk of transmission in schools. 

The documents said: "Regarding reopening of schools, SAGE reiterated its advice that there is a low risk to children’s health from Covid-19 and significant harms from schools being closed.

"Reopening requires sufficient headroom in terms of overall infection rates and numbers, and clear communication with parents and teachers.

"There may be a need to change measures at the end of the summer in order to be able to keep R below 1 whilst proceeding with the planned reopening of schools.

"Planning for safe full reopening should take place now and should take account of the health benefits of reopening schools as well as the educational benefits."

It comes after virus cases in the UK more than DOUBLED in just two weeks.

Speaking on Friday Prof Whitty warned that measures will have to be taken to stop infections spiralling further.

He said: "We either say, 'Actually, we've probably taken this to the limit, we've got to stop now and we may have to pull back a bit to keep this under control', or we do not. 

"If we do pull back, then we should be able to hold the line, and if we do not pull back and we start having further interactions, then we can expect to see an increase in cases with all the consequences that go with that."

And Sir Jeremy Farrar, Chair of the Wellcome Trust, said reopening schools was about “choices and trade-offs” that would include workplaces, public transport, pubs and “many others”.

It comes as Boris Johnson declared that reopening schools was a “national priority” - and vowed to do all it takes to meet the Government’s promise of getting all kids back to school in September.

Standing by his pledge to get kids back in the classroom, Boris said: “That is a good thing, and should be a national priority, and something we aim to deliver.

“It’s the right thing for children, they can be educated in a safe Covid-secure way.

"We should be getting them back to school.”