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One of the biggest potential victims of the new variant of COVID-19 may be the possibility of a normal return to school in England in January.
Scientists are currently studying evidence that children can be more affected.
It could mean a return to homeschooling for thousands of children.
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Will schools be closed due to the COVID variant?
Secondary schools in England are already amazing its beginning term, to allow the implementation of a test program.
Recent figures show that there has been a sharp increase in cases of COVID-19 among school-age children.
This could be due to the new variant of the virus, which could spread more easily among young people.
The fear is that this will lead to further transmission within the school environment, which ends up happening to families.
Professor Mark Harris, a virologist at the University of Leeds, said: “There is concern that if this is actually replicating or growing better in children, then it could have a knock-on effect for the spread of the virus throughout the population of the world. UK.”
Children are highly unlikely to suffer severe symptoms if they become infected, and there is no evidence to suggest that the new variant will change this.
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But if more children become infected, this could rapidly increase transmission.
More research and more definitive data are needed before scientists can confirm what is happening with the new variant.
The government is committed to keeping schools open, but it is also dealing with a rapidly spreading virus that continues to put enormous pressure on the NHS.
Meanwhile, directors are waiting to know if they can fully reopen in January.
Many feel that with cases on the rise, this will be difficult in some areas.
Steve Edmonds, director of counseling and guidance for the National Governance Association, the body that represents school governors, feels that despite the enormous efforts of principals to remain open and continue education, it is a “challenge” in areas with cases on the rise.
“We need to be prepared for a scenario where it is not possible for schools to open on January 4 or 11,” he said.
The news will not be what many families want to hear.
Hannah Thompson, a mother of Stroud, said: “I really believe that the continuing education of children has to be the most important thing.
“We have already seen a major disruption in learning and our ability to work as parents with children outside of school is simply hugely impactful on their education and their mental health – and the ability of adults to contribute to society.
