One-metre rule casts doubt on return to schools in September

Plans to fully reopen schools fully in September have been thrown into doubt, as new public health guidance calls for physical distancing of at least one metre in most school settings.

Just last month, the previous government said it had intended to fully reopen schools in September with a Department of Education report stating that children would have to learn at home four days a week should physical distancing guidelines remain in place when schools reopen, or stay at home for at least two school days should the two metre rule be reduced to one.