August 24, 2020 - 09:07 BST Sharnaz Shahid Dr Hilary Jones has reassured concerned parents about sending their children to school as he explained how the COVID-19 fatality rate is lower than seasonal flu.Appearing on Monday's Good Morning Britain, the medical professional revealed that the UK's chief medical officers have warned that kids are more at risk of long-term harm if they do not return to their classrooms during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The message comes hours after the prime minister, Boris Johnston, released a statement to parents saying it was"vitally important" that children should return to school in September. He said that"the risk of contracting COVID-19 in school is very small and it is far more damaging for a child's development and their health and wellbeing to be away from school any longer".
According to an analysis of official figures, schools in England have suffered 30 outbreaks of coronavirus after reopening in June. The study also suggested children who went to school during that month were more likely to catch coronavirus at home than in the classroom. Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.