Covid-19: Education Settings

Rachael Maskell Excerpts

Tuesday 6th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

We will try to come back to the right hon. Member as soon as we can.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

As the data show, in York infection rates are soaring, particularly in school-age children, people are poorly, and as a result we are seeing major disruption in young people’s education. So as we see infection rates soar across the country, it means that education will be further disrupted, and I hope that the Secretary of State recognises that. How would he ensure that effective testing is put in place, working with our public health teams on the ground locally, to mitigate against that spike in infections and ensure that young people and their families are supported when they have to isolate and miss school?

[Gavin Williamson]

It is absolutely right that schools have, and should continue to have, close and strong working relationships with local public health teams, not just in York, but right across the country. We have emphasised that point as part of the guidance that we have issued and made available to schools, because we recognise that we still have more to do. Work to defeat this virus will continue past the summer and into the winter.