October 10, 2021

England: ‘Back To School’ During the Coronavirus Pandemic

M Mask-wearing was no longer mandatory in May this year. However, that will see some changes as now children are back to school. Under winter contingency plans, the new rule includes mask-wearing, strict social distancing in the school premises, and staff meetings and events are to be held virtually. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, face coverings are required until October half-term and at least the first six weeks of the term respectively.

…to keep school disruption in check, all healthy 12-15-year-olds are offered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine

According to the latest report by the Department for Education, there has been an increase in the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the second half of September. The number of absent students was also seen to be on the rise due to reasons like suspected cases of COVID, regional restrictions, and few cases of school closures.

In the case of a student testing positive, home quarantine for ten days is mandatory. Unless tested positive, classmates and family members need not be in quarantine. Also, to keep school disruption in check, all healthy 12-15-year-olds are offered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. This is done to keep the Delta variant at bay, and also to prevent people from getting severe symptoms. The teen vaccination has already begun in England and Scotland, Wales has rolled out invites for vaccination, and Northern Ireland is expected to join the bandwagon by November. The need for the second dose is yet to be decided.

Posted in News and tagged England, K-12, UK, Coronavirus Pandemic
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