Learning English

Coronavirus: New report asks if school closures work

Schools around the world have closed down to stop the spread of coronavirus. But a new scientific report from the UK asks whether this is effective. Neil and Catherine look at the vocabulary in the news around this story.

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The story

While children can catch coronavirus, they rarely get severe symptoms. But they can still spread the disease, which is why many countries have closed schools.

The latest research, published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal, assessed the likely impact of this policy based on the limited available data. The scientists found that shutting schools was far less effective than other social distancing interventions, preventing between two and four percent of deaths.

They say policy makers must weigh up the possible harms and reopen schools at the earliest possible opportunity. The government has said it will review its coronavirus policies after Easter.

Key words and phrases

question
express doubt about something

• Good students question existing ideas.
• The opposition questioned the government about its approach to the crisis.

marginal
very small; not important

• United only have a marginal lead over City in the league.
• For me, the difference between Coke and Pepsi is marginal.

play a role
be involved in something in an important way

• Hand washing plays an important role in preventing the spread of viruses.
• Parents are playing a key role in educating their children while schools are closed.

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