School closures: Expert addresses ‘contingency plans’

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

School closures have not been ruled out as part of the Government’s strategy to tackle a rise of new coronavirus infections across the UK due to the Omicron variant. Pupils resumed classes full time in April but since schools have had to contend with classes being forced into isolation due to the ongoing threat of the virus. As cases continue to rise in the UK, teachers have been drawing up plans to ensure they can move to remote learning in January should Health Secretary Sajid Javid announce schools will not be reopening in the new year.

Speaking to GB News, expert Sian Griffiths said: “What they are doing is warning parents they may have to move lessons online in January.

“Many many schools are doing that, actually, are drawing up contingency plans. I’ve been talking to headteachers who have been preparing letters to go out to parents in January because they simply don’t know what the situation will be.

“Even if schools are breaking up now for Christmas, what they are doing is quite sensible.”

The Sunday Times Education and Families editor said: “If they don’t put their contingency plans in now, if they can’t go back in January, and they haven’t made provisions for children to take laptops home over the holidays, or teachers are prepared to teach remotely classes, they could be faced with a difficult situation in the new year.”

JUST IN: ‘Two-week’ Christmas lockdown looms – Boris set to thrust new rules on UK after SAGE plea

Earlier this week, Sajid Javid failed to rule out school closures in January 2022 but said he hoped the measure will not be necessary.

He said: “I don’t want to see that or any of these kinds of measures.

“I think I’d say this… if you’re asking me for guarantees, I will just say – as the Health Secretary, of course, I’m not the Education Secretary, as the Health Secretary – there are. when it comes to our fight against this pandemic, no guarantees.

“But what we do know that works is, in this case, a booster shot of a vaccine.

Sajid Javid dodges question on school closures in Omicron battle

“This vaccine still is incredibly effective with a booster shot and that’s why we’re so focussed on it.”

Mr Javid said the Omicron variant had thrown vaccination efforts “off the course” and the UK is now in “another race” against the coronavirus.

On Tuesday, the Commons voted in favour of the implementation of Plan B, with the reintroduction of mandatory face masks on public transport and shops.

Covid passes are also now required to access large venues such as concert halls, stadiums, and theatres to prove one’s vaccination status.

DON’T MISS

A negative Covid test is also accepted to be allowed into these locations.

While the Government signalled earlier this week a Christmas lockdown was off the table, reports emerged this weekend suggesting SAGE scientists have warned delaying stricter measures would reduce the impact of a circuit breaker on Omicron cases.

The UK has been reporting an increasing number of daily infections, with nearly 95,000 people testing positive to Covid in the 24 hours between December 16 and December 17.

Source: Read Full Article