Netherlands set to reopen schools after finding children not more likely to spread UK Covid variant

Desks in a classroom in Haren, in the Netherlands, are arranged to ensure social distancing

Credit: Vincent Jannink/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The Netherlands plans to reopen schools after a report showed young children are not more likely to spread the British variant of coronavirus. 

The government’s Outbreak Management Team of experts recommended that schools reopen but warned the move would risk increased hospital and intensive care admissions. 

Some members of the team argued against reopening schools, which were shut at the start of the second Dutch lockdown in mid-December.

Mark Rutte, the prime minister, is expected to announce on Tuesday night that primary schools and nurseries will reopen on February 8. Secondary schools and after-school clubs will remain closed. 

The report is based on the results of an investigation into an outbreak of the British variant at a primary school in the village of Lansingerland. The investigation found children were not the main driver of new infections, as had first been feared.

Broadcaster NOS reported that 63 percent of the village took part in a mass testing programme, with 1.1 per cent testing positive. Of those, 5.6 per cent had the British variant, in line with results elsewhere in the Netherlands. That suggests children do not spread the virus more quickly than adults. 

Mr Rutte said last week that reopening schools was a priority. Arie Slob, the education minister, said the decision was important for children’s social development but urged parents not to hang around at school gates. 

The report’s recommendations call for other coronavirus restrictions to be kept in place. A curfew imposed by the government, which has sparked the most violent riots in the Netherlands in 40 years, is due to end on February 9. Ministers will discuss whether or not to lift the curfew on Sunday.