School closures have little impact on spread of coronavirus, study finds

UCL say small benefits should be weighed against profound economic and social costs

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School closures are likely to have a relatively small impact on the spread of Covid-19 and should be weighed against their profound economic and social consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable children, according to a UK study.

The research, led by University College London (UCL), is the first to look at evidence behind many governments' decision to shut schools and keep pupils at home.