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"Councils want all children to return to school to continue with their education and we also want to work with the Government, education leaders and schools to make sure the national effort is a success."

“The most important thing is that the public and those working on the frontline get a complete picture of the impact this virus has had in our neighbourhoods and in our communities."

"Nearly a third of all deaths in care homes involved coronavirus and we need to do all we can to keep drastically reducing this. The Government’s announcement today of regular testing of care home residents and staff will help with preventing the spread of infection, but we must remain vigilant."

“We are pleased that the Government recognises the important role that tourism plays in boosting the UK economy and that it has provided this much needed funding."

“It is great that the Government has recognised the importance of culture to the social fabric of our nation by announcing this funding which will be a lifeline to many theatres, galleries and museums which have been severely impacted by coronavirus."

"Councils share the Commissioner’s concerns about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on vulnerable teenagers."

"Staff working in care homes and those providing care in people’s own homes have done an incredible job, in extremely challenging circumstances, to protect those they care for throughout this crisis."

"Everybody has to play their part in helping to get this pandemic under control. It is good that the NHS Test and Trace system is reaching the majority of those who tested positive and who are passing on details of their close contacts, but it is still concerning that nearly 20 per cent of positive cases cannot be found."

“It is great news that gyms and leisure centres can reopen, and many people will be hugely excited about being able to safely visit them again."

More than £730 million in vital EU cash which could help local communities bounce back from COVID-19 risks going unspent and being sent back to Brussels if the funding is not allocated by the Government before the end of the year, councils warn today.