Increased risk of Covid transmission 'inevitable' as schools reopen, Boris Johnson says

8 March 2021, 17:23 | Updated: 9 March 2021, 08:03

Boris Johnson thanks teachers and parents as schools reopen

By Patrick Grafton-Green

An increased risk of coronavirus transmission as schools reopen is “inevitable”, Boris Johnson has said, as millions of pupils return to classrooms in England for the first time in months.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference amid the first easing of restrictions from the country's lockdown, the Prime Minister vowed to continue on the roadmap he set out last month.

He said thanks to the "huge national effort to keep kids at home", and with more than a third of the UK population having now received a vaccine, the spread of Covid-19 has been significantly reduced.

READ MORE: Primary and secondary pupils return to classrooms in England for the first time in months

READ MORE: UK reports 65 more Covid deaths - second day running that death toll has risen by less than 100

"So, today we've been able to take that crucial first step on what we hope is our cautious but irreversible roadmap to freedom," he added.

But he said the school return "will of course have an impact on the spread of the virus", adding it is "more vital than ever" to follow the rules.

He warned the number of patients being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 each day is eight times higher than "the lows of last summer".

Boris Johnson responds to question on vaccine passports

Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, said infections were now below 100 per 100,000 people in every part of the country - back to where they were in September - but added "a new wave could easily take off" and there was still "substantial strain" on the NHS.

However, she also played down suggestions schools may be forced to close again if new cases emerge, saying "we can be very optimistic going forward".

She said: "The testing programme in schools should mean that the likelihood of a case going into a school and then numbers of children having to come out of education to isolate should be very significantly reduced.

"There may be a very short period at the start of this programme where everybody gets used to it and a larger number of children come out of school and then it will settle down.

"It is really important when observing this that people think through the next three to four weeks, not the first one or two."

LBC's Ben Kentish questions the Prime Minister over Covid

Mr Johnson praised parents and teachers as he said said the return to schools marked a "big day and an emotional day" for millions of families across England.

He said: "We all know that the education of our children is so important that the greater risk now is keeping them out of school for a day longer.

"I want to thank all the teachers who have got their schools ready and who have been teaching throughout the period - whether that is remotely or in person. Your work has been astonishing."

Mr Johnson also thanked parents who have been teaching their children at home and said: "We all know that the burden has disproportionately fallen on women - often holding down jobs and providing childcare at the same time."

He said the Government's job was to ensure pupils not only catch up on lost learning but "take the biggest possible step forwards with a concerted national programme for educational recovery".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

Riot police vans at Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena, as people take part in a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town.

Residents 'fear for their lives' in third night of Ballymena riots as 'masked thugs set leisure centre alight'

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82

England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

'I'm in the right place': Thomas Tuchel wants to extend England head coach job until Euro 2028

The Lower Broughton Road in Salford.

Rioting erupts and 16-year-old girl arrested in Salford as ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police and 'set fire to car'

Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu following their doubles match defeat to Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe on day three of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London

Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter beaten in the doubles at Queens

In the latest development in the family's ongoing feud, the 26-year-old has reportedly quashed any attempts from the superstar couple to make up

Brooklyn Beckham 'cuts contact' with parents David and Victoria amid family rift over wife Nicola Peltz

Whitehall is on lockdown as police are investigating a 'suspicious vehicle' abandoned near Downing Street.

Whitehall on lockdown as police investigate 'abandoned vehicle near Downing Street'

Khaby Lame attends the 2025 Met Gala

World's most-followed Tik-Tok star leaves United States after being detained by ICE