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Boris Johnson Urged to Open U.K. Schools Slowly to Avoid Virus Surge

  • Scientists, teachers’ unions call for staggered return is best
  • Prime minister wants children back in classrooms from March 8
Pupils wait to attend a lesson in Huddersfield, U.K.

Pupils wait to attend a lesson in Huddersfield, U.K.

Photographer: Olic Scarff/AFP/Getty Images

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The U.K. government is facing pressure from scientists and teaching unions to reopen schools slowly next month, amid fears that getting all pupils back at once could fuel a resurgence in the pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Monday that reopening schools from March 8 is the priority as the government considers how to ease virus restrictions, but said ministers have not yet decided if all age groups will return to classrooms at the same time.