PM Johnson to close schools in January

The British epidemiologists have advised Boris Johnson to keep secondary schools closed in January because the new strain of the COVID-19 spreads faster than a usual pathogen.

Patrick Vallance, chief of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) stressed that closing schools in January is a must. Taking into account the prevalence of a new strain of the pathogen identified in the UK in the autumn, the stricter measures could protect people.

The new variant of the COVID-19 infection — known as R — would surge further above 1 in January even if Boris Johnson implements another November-style national lockdown in the New Year.