SENIOR scientists have warned schools may have to remain shut in order to control coronavirus transmission.

Professor Neil Ferguson, a member of the government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), said there had been a "balancing act" since lockdown was initially eased between keeping control of the virus and maintaining "some semblance of normal society".

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But he said planned school reopenings from next week may have to be postponed.

He told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: "Clearly nobody wants to keep schools shut.

"But if that's the only alternative to having exponentially growing numbers of hospitalisations, that may be required at least for a period.

"There are no easy solutions here.

"My real concern is that even if universities, schools, do have staggered returns or even stay closed, how easy it would be to maintain control of the virus is unclear now, given how much more transmissible this variant is."

We asked our readers whether they think schools should shut or reopen in January and the majority said to close the schools.

Here is what you had to say:

Debbie Wuntun said: "I think they should only let the kids back that are doing any exams or GCSE and mock exams."

While Louise Cullin said it should be "open for key worker children and closed for the rest like last time".

Echoing this is Vicky Simons who said schools should be closed "except for key workers' children and vulnerable children".

Claire Waller explained: "Teachers should be prioritised for vaccination and schools should remain open."

Christoph Link believes the schools should be closed to "protect teachers and children and their families".

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Similarly, Kasia Sut said the schools should remain shut and Janet Davis said they should remain closed for "January at least".

Jackie Wilson said she is "totally on the fence" as a teacher and a parent.

The government said it is "still planning for a staggered opening of schools" after Christmas but is keeping the plan under constant review.