MILLIONS of Brits have seen their Christmas plans ruined as London and swathes of the South East had been plunged into Tier 4 lockdown.
These dwelling beneath the tough new restrictions should keep at house beneath new legal guidelines – however faculties will stay open.
⚠️ Learn our coronavirus live blog for the newest information & updates
Faculties will stay open in Tier 4 areas (inventory)Credit score: PA:Press Affiliation
1) Will faculties open in Tier 4?
Based on Downing Avenue, faculties and nurseries will stay open in Tier 4 – however will see a staggered return from the Christmas break.
The federal government mentioned: “Faculties and faculties will stay open throughout time period time in tier 4 areas. The federal government will proceed to prioritise the wellbeing and long-term futures of our younger individuals.
“It stays essential for youngsters and younger individuals to attend, to help their wellbeing and training and assist working mother and father and guardians.
“Senior clinicians nonetheless advise that college is one of the best place for youngsters to be, and so they need to proceed to go to highschool throughout time period time.”
Throughout as we speak’s coronavirus press briefing, Boris Johnson mentioned travelling in Tier 4 areas for training can be permitted.
2) When do faculties return after Christmas financial institution vacation?
The Independent studies that the staggered return will start on January 4 with pupils in Yr 11 and Yr 13 who’re making ready for GCSEs and A-Ranges.
This will probably be adopted by weak kids and kids of essential employees.
Downing Avenue has pledged to roll out mass testing for hard-hit areas in London and the South East to assist suppress the unfold of the bug.
Nevertheless in Scotland, pupils is not going to return to highschool on January 11 as deliberate.
College students will as a substitute use on-line studying till no less than January 18, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed.
Boris Johnson has cancelled Christmas for hundreds of thousands of Brits
3) What coronavirus measures are in place in faculties?
The steerage for faculties to assist stem transmission stays the identical as earlier than.
Measures already being utilized by faculties embody hand sanitiser stations, one-way methods and staggered break occasions.
Social distancing can also be suggested wherever potential for older college students, with youthful kids inspired to combine in small teams or “bubbles”
Pupils in England and Wales should additionally put on face masks in communal areas.
If a pupil exams constructive, they have to be despatched house to self-isolate for ten days.
The college should then contact their native public well being safety crew – who will advise on different pupils or employees who ought to be despatched house.