“And I’m very concerned about what the Swiss said that it’s fine to hug your grandchildren.
“That is so dangerous. That could just be a hub of new infections.
“So I think we need to be really careful, we need to phase schools back in gradually.
“I know the benefits of going back to school for many many people in certain circumstances but we have to put health first.
“And I think if we have pilot schemes and we look at what happens when we phase in them going back and socially distance as much as possible children, then we can really tell how safe it is and how we can do it.”
READ MORE: Schools reopen: How will schools reopen?
Under lockdown, schools and colleges have largely been closed, except for the children of essential workers, and it is thought this could be among the first restrictions to be eased.
But Education Secretary Gavin Williamson previously said the Government had “no plans” to open schools over the summer period, while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it would be “inconceivable” without some further measures in place.
Head teachers have previously been advised to start making preparations on how schools could safely reopen, with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) suggesting a staggered return of pupils, with Year 6s, Year 10s and Year 12s phased in first, if permitted.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will set out a “road map” for easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions next week.
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A BBC poll of 1,000 people found that more than 60 percent would be uncomfortable about going out to bars and restaurants or using public transport should ministers decide to relax the lockdown.
More than 40 percent would still be reluctant to go shopping or send their children to school and more than 30 percent would be worried about going to work or meeting friends.
Mr Johnson made his commitment as he fronted his first Downing Street press conference since leaving hospital for Covid-19.
He praised the NHS, saying he had been “very, very lucky” but “thousands of people have been less fortunate than I was”.