Boris Johnson says 'absolutely every pupil needs to be back in school next week' during virtual Q&A with parents as Dr Jenny Harries says evidence on face coverings 'is not very strong in either direction'

Boris Johnson has said 'absolutely every pupil needs to be back in school' starting from next week, as Dr Jenny Harries says evidence on face coverings 'is not very strong in either direction'.  

The Prime Minister said it was vital for students to return to school starting from next week during a question-and-answer session with parents on Friday.

He added that schools are the last part of society the Government plans to close down in the case of local lockdowns, as Dr Jenny Harries stressed there was no 'strong' evidence on face coverings. 

Boris Johnson has said 'absolutely every pupil needs to be back in school' starting from next week during a Q&A with parents

Boris Johnson said: 'Absolutely every pupil needs to be back in school next week and in the course of the succeeding days as schools go back.

'Now is the time when a school is safe to go back to and the evidence is overwhelming that it is in the interest of the wellbeing and the health of children, young people, pupils, to be back in school rather than missing out any more.

'So, it is the healthy, safe thing to do.' 

On the issue of face masks for pupils, Dr Harries said: 'The evidence on face coverings is not very strong in either direction.

'We are continuing to learn ... around how the virus transmits and it may be we do change advice in the future - that's because we are watching the science.'

Boris Johnson also assured parents that schools will be the 'very last' thing in society they want to close down again in the case of more local lockdowns

Dr Harries said: 'At the moment the evidence is pretty stable, but it can be very reassuring in those enclosed environments for children and for teachers as well, to know that people are taking precautions.'

Boris Johnson also assured parents that schools will be the 'very last' thing in society they want to close down again in the case of more local lockdowns.

He said: 'Even if there are more local lockdowns, or more measures to stop the spread of the disease locally, which I'm afraid there almost certainly will be because we are expecting more local spikes, schools will bet the very last bit of society we want to close down again.'