Unions raise health fears over plan to keep schools in mass testing scheme fully open ahead of Christmas

It comes as Wales moves all teaching online in secondary schools from next week

Mass-testing plans have been announced for secondary schools in areas of England (Getty Images)

Education unions have questioned plans in England to keep schools affected by mass testing plans fully open, saying it could lead to increased infection.

The decision to keep pupils in school came as Wales moved all teaching online in secondary schools and colleges for the final week of term to limit the spread of coronavirus. 

Asked why England was not taking a similar step, government minister Oliver Dowden said on Friday that the new testing plans were aimed at keeping children in education.