Covid: Open schools led to opportunities for 'social mixing'

Standing at the school gates or dropping off children as the bell rang led to "social mixing opportunities" for Covid to spread, a Welsh Government advisor has said.

Before Christmas most children stepped out of the classroom for the last time in months.

Most pupils will now be learning from home until at least February half-term, unless there is a big drop in Covid cases.

But why, when officials have repeatedly said schools are safe environments for children, are they now closed?

Dr Heather Payne, the Welsh Government's consultant paediatrician, explains.