Opinion

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The government is under increasing pressure to abandon plans to reopen schools, as a number of councils have warned their schools are against reopening more widely to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils from 1 June amid safety concerns.
The British Medical Association, a union representing doctors, meanwhile has said schools should open their doors as soon as it is safe to do so” as there is “growing evidence” that the risk to children from coronavirus is “extremely small”.
In the capital, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has written to supermarkets and shops urging them to stock face coverings for commuters using the capital’s public transport.
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And US president Donald Trump has said it is a badge of honour that the US has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world as he put it down to the volume of tests being carried out.
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2020-05-20T07:17:15.763Z
London mayor urges supermarkets to stock face coverings for commuters
(Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
London mayor Sadiq Khan has written to supermarkets and shops urging them to stock face coverings for commuters using the capital’s public transport.Mr Khan is asking stores to help Londoners access reusable non-medical face coverings to prevent the spread of coronavirus in enclosed spaces as lockdown restrictions are eased.
Following updated government guidance advising people to wear face coverings in enclosed places where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, Mr Khan said he wants everyone using London’s public transport to use them for the whole of their journey.
In the letter, sent on Wednesday, he added: “Furthermore, I hope that Londoners will choose to wear face coverings when out doing their shopping, helping to keep you, your staff and their fellow customers safe.”
PA

  • Chiara.Giordano
  • 20 May 2020 08:18

2020-05-20T07:13:03.550Z
School reopening plans up in the airA cabinet minister has admitted he does not know if schools will reopen on 1 June as planned, after a growing revolt from teachers and local councils.
Robert Buckland has rowed back from the target date, acknowledging safety fears and that town halls probably had the power to keep some schools closed.Rob Merrick reports:

  • Chiara.Giordano
  • 20 May 2020 08:13

2020-05-20T07:07:34.480Z
Doctors’ union says schools should reopen ‘as soon as it’s safe’The British Medical Association, a union representing doctors, however, has said schools should reopen “as soon as it is safe to do so”.
The BMA’s public health medicine committee chairman Dr Peter English said there is “growing evidence” that the risk to children from coronavirus is “extremely small” – but cautioned there is “no united view yet” on whether children can spread it.The doctors’ union previously said the government should not consider reopening schools in England until the case numbers are “much lower”.
But while acknowledging the decision to reopen schools is “an extremely difficult one”, Dr English, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said the longer children are away from the classroom “the greater the harm to their education, life opportunities and wellbeing”.
PA

  • Chiara.Giordano
  • 20 May 2020 08:09

2020-05-20T07:03:25.660Z
Good morning and welcome to today’s live blog.
The government is facing increasing pressure to abandon its plan to reopen primary schools from 1 June.
At least 11 councils have now raised concerns over children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 in England returning to the classroom next month.

  • Chiara.Giordano
  • 20 May 2020 08:08