RE: A worry2 Aug 2020 13:03
- Pubs could have to shut in the UK in order for schools to reopen, according to a pandemic expert, as concern turned to a rise in infections among young people.
Graham Medley, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said UK government ministers might have to consider closing pubs in England in order for lessons to start again next month.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously pledged that both primary and secondary schools will return in September "with full attendance".
But, following Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty's prediction that the country was "near the limit" for opening up society following the coronavirus lockdown, Medley said a "trade off" might have to be made to ensure full-time education could resume.
The warning came as the prime minister announced a slow down of the lockdown easing, with planned relaxations for the leisure and beauty sectors delayed after a rise in Covid-19 cases was recorded.
When asked whether pubs could have to shut for schools to reopen, Medley, chair of the Sage sub-group on pandemic modelling, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think that's quite possible.