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<p>The department regularly engages with a wide range of organisations around its
response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including on data and the evidence base.</p><p>The
Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) COVID-19 Infection Survey results between 2
September to 16 October, published on 6 November, show no evidence of differences
in the positivity rate between primary and secondary school teachers, other key workers
and other professions.</p><p>This evidence was endorsed by the Scientific Advisory
Group for Emergencies (SAGE), the body of experts that provides scientific advice
to the government for emergencies. More information is available at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/935102/sage-65-meeting-covid-19-s0863.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/935102/sage-65-meeting-covid-19-s0863.pdf</a>.</p><p>On
26 November the ONS published additional analysis that addresses concerns raised by
Dr Rasmussen and others on the number of school workers, key workers and other professions
in England who had COVID-19. This also shows no clear evidence as to whether there
is a difference in the level of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 between
teachers and other key workers.</p><p>The department continues to review data, analysis
and advice from a number of different sources including SAGE, Public Health England,
the ONS, and the Joint Biosecurity Centre to ensure our policies are guided by the
most up to date scientific evidence.</p>
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