READERS have had their say on whether they feel schools should stay open during the impending national lockdown.

This afternoon 516 MPs voted in favour of the lockdown and 38 against – a majority of 478.

The lockdown is expected to last until December 2 and will see the closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops from midnight.

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Schools, colleges and universities will remain open, prompting a campaign to include them in the measures from the National Education Union.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), however, believe it is right to prioritise keeping pupils in schools, but has called for greater transparency over the risks.

St Helens Borough Council seem to agree, and said in an open letter on Tuesday that the local and national evidence suggests the risk to children’s long-term welfare is a much greater if they are unable to attend school.

Among the public, opinions appear divided.

Speaking on Facebook, Beverley Smith said: “Yes they should stay open.

“The damage done to their mental health and not being able to socialise for six months has been huge.

“Numbers in the North West are dropping, which hasn’t happened because schools have closed for a week – this data wouldn’t have been available so soon.”

Charlotte Fishwick believes too many people who would suffer if schools are forced to close.

She said that schools could stay open until the Christmas break and possibly have an extended holiday depending on the infection rates in January.

Kellie Powell thinks schools should shut before Christmas, but said anything other than a short closure is “non-sustainable”.

“Personally I think they should shut maybe a couple of weeks early for Christmas,” she said.

“Going straight from kids mingling to Christmas will cause it to spread like wildfire and we all know pre-Christmas is the least productive time in the school calendar.

“On the whole kids need to be in school and parents need to work to pay bills so anything further than a couple of weeks is non-sustainable.”

Greg Carns believes schools and universities have played a big role in the surging infection rates, and thinks they must close to get them down.

Sarah Longshaw also thinks they should close and switch to online learning.

She said if they do not close then the virus’ reproduction (R) number will just go back up, and we will keep going around in circles.

Many people think the decision should be left up to the parents.

Angela Blackshaw said: “I think that, given the circumstances, the family should be able to choose whether or not it is right for their child to return.

“Some kids need to be in school for a variety of reasons. Some are too scared to return right now.

“It should be a considered choice rather than guilt-tripping and threats of fines, in my opinion.”

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Michelle Louise Elston summed up why the issue is not a clear cut one.

“There’s no right answer to this,” she said.

“No, as we want to halt and eradicate coronavirus. Yes because children’s mental health and education is important.

“I’d hate to be a parent with a young child, having to make this decision right now.”