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Coronavirus news: Boris Johnson urged to boost Covid-19 testing to safely reopen schools as prime minister to ‘head to Scotland’ for staycation

PA
PA

A leading child health expert has assured parents and students that one of the most detailed studies yet will show it is safe for schools to fully reopen next month.

Professor Russell Viner said the research would confirm “there is very little evidence” of coronavirus transmission where pupils have returned.

Boris Johnson spoke of a “moral duty” to get all children back in school amid indications he would force pubs, restaurants and shops to close in the event of severe coronavirus flare-ups.

The prime minister is understood to favour only closing schools as a last resort after scientific advisers warned more restrictions may be needed to reopen classrooms in England next month.

He is reportedly heading to Scotland for a summer holiday as quarantine rules make trips abroad less appealing.

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