Parent says schools should close if social distancing can't be kept to after seeing lack of two-metre rule outside Sir Donald Bailey Academy in Newark
Schools should be closed to curb the spread of coronavirus if people cannot follow social distancing guidelines, according to one parent.
The man, who wants to remain anonymous, said media blamed the rise in coronavirus on the university student population.
He said: “From my personal experience, I believe the increase is more to do with school parents, of the same age group as students, taking their children to primary school.”
He said he had seen people not social distancing outside Sir Donald Bailey Academy in Newark.
“The lack of social distancing in school grounds surely has a massive effect on the R rate,” he said.
“I believe schools should be closed to avoid the intermingling.”
The call comes as Nottinghamshire County Council launches a campaign to encourage parents to keep their distance when dropping off or picking up their children from schools — acknowledging that there have been problems at some schools.
Advice notices have been put on lamp posts outside schools across the county
Social distancing has been raised as an issue at a number of schools at drop-off and pick-up times.
Mr Philip Owen, the council’s children and young people’s committee chairman, said: “The safety of children and their families must always be top priority.
“I am aware that there have been occasional problems with social distancing at the beginning and end of the school day, when there are larger groups of people around, although the vast majority are following the rules.
“I understand at times it can be easy to forget about keeping your distance.
“This is just to remind parents and families about the importance of following the guidance.”
The principal at Sir Donald Bailey Academy, Lee Hessey, said: “We have worked tirelessly to keep children and adults safe and have followed government advice throughout. We have worked to ensure continuity of education at this difficult time.
“We were pleased last week to receive positive feedback from the Health and Safety Executive.
“We are constantly seeking to improve our practices and have already updated our arrangements a number of times. If any parents have concerns, I would urge them to contact the school directly so they can be addressed.”
