Scientists have tested the effects of coronavirus on children, and the 
preliminary results are out – kids face a considerably low risk of contracting the virus.
In response, the government has given the green light for reopening of schools this autumn. That’s great news for millions of parents across the country. However, teachers have a different opinion.
The NAHT school leaders union said the government’s last-minute guidance on what to do when reopening schools is ‘reprehensible.’ For example, secondary schools in local lockdown areas will close every two weeks. And they are also expected to have a home school curriculum ready to go.
How Will Schools Handle the Two Metre Rule?
The government recognises the challenges of getting children to social 
distance. So they did not add it as a requirement in their guidelines. And it’s easy to see why – children will always mix in “bubbles’, and there’s little we can do about it. Older children, however, are advised to avoid unnecessary contact.
What About Face Masks?
Pupils who live in lockdown areas and are above age seven will have to wear a mask when not in class. This move is designed to ensure protection when there’s little adult supervision. And it also goes a long way in keeping the teachers and school staff safe from infection.
Still, this rule does not apply to all regions. Students in North Ireland and Scotland, for instance, will wear masks between lessons while Wales will 
leave the mask issue to schools and local councils to decide.
What Happens if Coronavirus Breaks Out?
If a school has two or more coronavirus cases, a testing unit will go to the site. The testing will start with the infected pupil’s class. Then proceed to the year group and entire School if necessary. But this is highly unlikely to happen.