Thread by @IndependentSage

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Christina Pagel explains that positivity rates are going up. So we're testing more but transmission rates are also increasing.

No big improvement in test and trace metrics

It's hard to get a test and people are being asked to travel a long way for tests.

A lot of new cases internationally.

Some prevention measures used in international schools:

Paris is providing free laptops for all children

Summary

Professor Susan Michie takes a look at learnings from schools in Scotland

The testing system in Scotland is under considerable strain.

Indie Sage has come up with a six-point action plan

Spyke asks why social distancing is so important everywhere except in schools.

Susan Michie says that children of all ages can transmit the virus so it's just as important inside schools as outside.
Zubaida suggests that Spyke should be advising the government.

Indie Sage recommended long ago that the government should be more creative in finding extra spaces for children to make social distancing possible.

What size of class should we be looking for? Susan Michie: we have to go back to first principles. The more people one comes into contact with at a close distance, the more likely one is to transmit the virus. 1m distance could work if mitigated with good ventilation,

The children, particularly in primary schools, are going to be fine but the teachers and adults are at risk.

Social distancing is particularly hard in schools which is why our first recommendation is to drive cases down in the community.

It's astonishing that the Prime Minister passed the buck to the head teachers on the issue of wearing masks. It's a very important decision and it's hard to stay on top of the science on this.

All public spaces need to be monitored to ensure they have cover safe practices - otherwise they should be closed before cases multiply and enter schools.

Local communities and pupils themselves should be part of the conversation and co-creation of measures. It shouldn't all be top down.

the people on the ground are the ones who understand what will work - and implementation is easier if the community has a sense of ownership.

People have had to travel over 100 miles just to get a nasal swab. A GP wrote to tell me they've been asked to reduce testing in care homes. This is a fiasco. the national testing system is failing.

The positivity rate in Scotland is still quite low - so safe to go back to school in Glasgow. But asymptomatic spread is still a risk.

Hospital admissions in Scotland are decreasing - it's just vital that everyone follows the guidance.

Only a small proportion of infected children get symptoms so it's important not to overreact. Gastrointestinal problems could be a symptom but it's still very early to include this.

Regional information can be accessed through the ONS - and also on the UCL website.

This information is not being actively pushed out to schools.

There is an expectation that head teachers should avail themselves of this information.

Studies have shown that people have more severe Covid in city centres with high air pollution.

Private car use is now increasing which is a real problem in terms of air pollution. We need to think in a joined up way and government policy needs to ensure that public transport is safe.

Vulnerable children should be going to their local GP for individual advice.

Support for online learning for disadvantaged children has been wholly inadequate and needs to be readdressed by the Department For Education.

Karl: the level at which you would expect to see a regional response is 50 cases per 100,000.

It's a wrap. Thank you so much for joining.