That means Dr Sakthi Karunanithi is advising that schools should continue to delay reopening to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils. It is still the case that he believes two of the five government tests are not being met in the county.

Although the number of new cases has decreased, Lancashire and the North West has a high number of cases compared to many other regions in the country.

Similarly, although the weekly death count in Lancashire is showing a downward trend, a consistent decline is not being seen in all areas, and in recent weeks we have seen an increase. It has also been widely reported that the R value for the North West is above 1. Locally, all partners are working closely in the development of our local response to support Test and Trace.

Although some progress has been made, more work needs to be done to properly embed local expertise into the national NHS Test and Trace system.

Lancashire people have worked so hard throughout the pandemic in keeping the virus at bay. With various national lock down measures lifting, we need to remain vigilant in following social distancing rules to help prevent the infection spreading. 

This advice will be reviewed again next Monday, and if it changes, it will be for a possible reopening to more pupils from 22nd June if deemed safe to do so.

The decision to welcome back more pupils lies with head teachers, in consultation with their board of governors, taking into account their individual circumstances. 

As has been the case throughout the emergency, all schools are encouraged to admit vulnerable pupils and those of key workers as long as your risk assessments suggest it is safe to do so.