SHORT THREAD ON SCHOOLS:
When schools go back is a tricky issue. I'm not going to get into it here BUT wanted to highlight a couple of data points from PHE surveillance & ONS infection survey this week. 1/5

Firstly, since early Jan, there have been a number of outbreaks at nurseries (open) & special need schools (30% attendance) (and yes - Covid).

A few at primary schools (20% attendance) and v few at 2nd-ary schools (5% attendance). 2/5

Added to that among young school age kids, case rates going down for primary school ages but UP in pre-school and nursery age children.

Secondary school age going down (not shown). 3/5

the ONS infection survey (which doesn't depend on symptoms for getting tested) shows a similar picture (but not as fine age detail).

Cases going down in older children but flat in those age 2-11. Consistent with PHE rise in youngest and fall in 5-11 yr olds? 4/5

So, signs that there might be some transmission going on in these educational settings.

One of the many factors to consider when making decisions on schools. Hopefully by March we will be at much lower prevalence - next few weeks should help determine speed of descent. 5/5