Most children will be “very unlikely” to have to shield even if there is a surge in coronavirus cases, England’s deputy chief medical officer has said.

Speaking at the Downing Street COVID-19 briefing, Dr Jenny Harries said only 36 children had been admitted to intensive care with the virus since the crisis began.

And it was for this reason, she said, that it was “very likely… very few children will need to shield” in future.

She also attempted to allay parents’ fears by insisting there were many children who were staying home from school who would be better off in the classroom.

“There is almost certainly a large number – a very large number – of children who are not going to school at the moment who could go, because parents are concerned that they should be shielding,” Dr Harries added.

She also said children with asthma which is under control should be in school.

“Those children are at very, very low risk from COVID – they are probably at very, very significant risk of getting left behind in their education,” she said.

“In terms of the long-term health outcomes, that would be far worse.”

Meanwhile, millions “shielding” during the coronavirus outbreak will soon be able to meet six others from outside their home.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the change will apply in England from Monday 6 July for those deemed clinically “extremely vulnerable”.

They will no longer have to shield from 1 August – but the government says support from the NHS volunteer scheme and local councils will remain in place.

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