Blackpool's health boss says school remains 'absolutely the best place for children to be' despite outbreaks and previous calls to lower testing threshold

By Michael Holmes
Published 4th Nov 2020, 10:10 BST
Updated 4th Nov 2020, 10:23 BST
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Blackpool's director of public health said he agrees with the Government's decision to keep schools open during the second national lockdown, which starts tomorrow, despite recently lowering the threshold for coronavirus testing.

Dr Arif Rajpura, who two months ago ordered headteachers to send youngsters home to be tested for Covid-19 even if they show unofficial mild symptoms such as tiredness or a headache, today said: "Considering the detrimental impact of being away from the education system, as well as the low risk of Covid-19 to young people, school is absolutely the best place for children to be."

He released a statement via the council's press office after a second resort school was forced to close its doors after an outbreak, with seven staff at Moor Park Primary, in Moor Park Avenue, Bispham, confirmed to have the disease, with some "quite poorly" according to headteacher Joanne Magson.

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Mrs Magson, who is herself isolating, said in a letter to parents: "I am dreadfully sorry for the inconvenience this causes to you and your families, but the safety and well-being of the children and staff of Moor Park is and has to be my main priority.

Dr Arif Rajpura, who was given Facebook updates on the coronavirus pandemicDr Arif Rajpura, who was given Facebook updates on the coronavirus pandemic
Dr Arif Rajpura, who was given Facebook updates on the coronavirus pandemic

"We are all in this extremely challenging and worrying situation and it is imperative we all continue to do what we can to limit the spread of this deadly virus."