Coronavirus outbreaks ‘may occur’ in Sheffield schools when they reopen, warns health boss

In a statement released on Wednesday, the city’s director of public health Greg Fell said he had advised the Council to reopen schools to more pupils on Monday, June 15, after deciding he was satisfied this could be done safely.

He said that while it was inevitable that coronavirus cases would occur within schools when they reopened - some of which may develop into outbreaks - he was confident that the systems put in place by the Government and Council to control these were now well established enough to nip them in the bud.

He said: “Having taken the time to carefully consider the risk and impact of COVID-19 locally in Sheffield, I have today advised Sheffield City Council that I am satisfied that schools and childcare settings can begin to open more widely, in a planned and measured way, from Monday 15th June.

“A couple of weeks ago, I advised the delay of increasing numbers, as I was not assured that the systems and plans put in place were sufficient and that we needed more time to assess and test these.

“During this two week period, I have carefully monitored the position and now feel confident that it is possible for settings to widen their attendance of children.

“I have a responsibility to regularly review and monitor the position locally and very carefully. My priority is to advise the Council relating to public health matters and I will continue to rigorously review the situation.

“I know there will be cases associated with schools and early years settings, there may also be outbreaks. I am satisfied that we have the right arrangements to manage this.

“If at any time I feel that the local situation is changing and that this will have a negative impact on the health of children and staff within schools I will have no hesitation in changing my position and advising further.”