The Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF) and Boris Johnson have expressed that schools going back in January is being ‘kept under review’.

Schools are due to return on a staggered basis in January.

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However, due to the new coronavirus variant causing rises in case numbers this arrangement will be reviewed.

Read more: Public health chief says new coronavirus variant is likely to already be in Lancashire 

Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, Lancashire County Council said: “The last thing we want to do is prevent our children going to school and it is also important to control the virus at the same time so it is something that we are constantly keeping under review.

“If the situation changes what it is important is to take very swift, decisive action on these matters but it is not one for immediate action.”

The LRF are working with the Department for Education (DFE) and schools on a new testing scheme.

Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive and Director of Resources, LRF said: “So with the DFE with our schools, who have been absolutely brilliant, across all of Lancashire we are working to make sure that we can open our schools and maintain a good education provision as much as we possible can.

“The new testing scheme that we are looking with the DFE to introduce will be a key point in that armoury.

“The education of our children is one of our top priorities and it remains so.”

Read more:Preston and South Ribble’s latest coronavirus infection rates as concern grows around those who left tier-4 areas

Due to the new strain of coronavirus many areas of London and the South East have been placed into the new tier-4, which questions whether children returning to school as usual is realistic.

In a national press briefing yesterday (Monday 21 December) Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We want if we possibly can to get schools back in the staggered way in the beginning of January that we have set out.

“The common sensical thing to do is follow the path of the epidemic and as we showed last Saturday to keep things under constant review.

“But it is very important to get kids and keep kids in education if you possibly can, I believe that is something everybody understands.”

Read more: Christmas restrictions for Preston and Lancashire will only allow Christmas Day indoor meet-up

Current Covid restrictions are due to be reviewed on Wednesday 30 December.

England’s current rate of infection per 100,000 over the last seven-days stands at 299.2 and Preston is 250.1, both showing an increase from previous data.

See the latest coronavirus cases and information near you

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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