Some Doncaster schools stay shut as Mayor urges pupils to return

Doncaster Council chiefs have issued guidance with many schools across the country staying closed in a bid to curb spiralling coronavirus rates.

And Mayor Ros Jones has said that while the latest evidence suggested it was safe for youngsters to return to the classroom, the council would support schools which chose to stay shut.

She said: “Public Health advice remains that schools are able to return based on the current rates and confidence to support schools.

“However, we know that nationally there has been a lot of debate. Therefore it was agreed on how to further support our schools, students and staff on the re-opening this week for primary and special schools. Secondary schools will continue with the planned staggered start.

“Individual schools will be posting through their own communication channels on how this will impact the first few days of term. Please be patient, be kind and stay safe.”

In a joint statement, Riana Nelson, Doncaster Council’s Director of Learning, Opportunities and Skills and Dr Rupert Suckling, the town’s Director of Public Health, also set out the current position regarding Covid-19 infection rates in town.

It said: “Over the last two weeks and through the Christmas and New Year period, we have seen a small increase in the number of cases of coronavirus.

"The overall rate for Doncaster for the seven days ending on December 28 is 240.5 infections per 100,000 people. The rate for the 7 days ending December 15 2020 was 220.5 infections per 100,000 people and this contributed towards Doncaster remaining in Tier 3 or Very High in the Government’s restriction levels.

On December 28, infection rates for young people were:

- 0-4 years 72 infections per 100,000- 5-9 years 61.6 infections per 100,000- 10 -14 years 109 infections per 100,000- 15-19 years 291 infections per 100,000

The statement added: “On the basis of the rates of COVID, the Public Heath advice is that there is confidence that schools can reopen for children if they are able to do so.”