First day back at school has 'gone well', say heads
08/03/2021
|
news
|
education
|
2,396
Millions have returned to school in England, with face masks and Covid tests for secondary pupils.
1
405060
08/03/2021 10:21:26
17
16
bbc
Not much change at my local schools - they've all been open the whole time, as have all schools. The difference is: how do we keep the pupils from spreading the disease?
All schools have been open for the children of essential workers. And your point is ???
It doesn't really matter if they spread the disease. They are at minimal risk and over 20 million if the most vulnerable are already protected.
The risk has be vastly reduced and education is far more important that the tiny number of deaths that a slight rise in infections will bring.
The risk has be vastly reduced and education is far more important that the tiny number of deaths that a slight rise in infections will bring.
Doesn't matter now that 22 million of the most vulnerable have been vaccinated!
"The difference is: how do we keep the pupils from spreading the disease?"
Eventually you can't because you can't keep children masked forever. Vaccination of those at risk is the way out, and is well on the way. By September, I really expect schools to be back to the old normal.
Eventually you can't because you can't keep children masked forever. Vaccination of those at risk is the way out, and is well on the way. By September, I really expect schools to be back to the old normal.
Finally it looks like we are returning to some normality, largely thanks to the excellent scientists developing vaccines and rapid testing. Thankyou
Returning to normality yes; but far far to slowly.
There is no real normality until testing and masks are history and all the borders are fully open - it can't come too soon.
There is no real normality until testing and masks are history and all the borders are fully open - it can't come too soon.
The lockdown is what has led to a return to normality. Vaccine and testing have had little effect on data thus far. Lockdown data now mirrors very precisely last years data, when we had neither vaccine nor testing.
What face masks in school class is normal ... This is far from Normal and the last mass cohort of spreaders should not have been first to reopen but last. The scientists knew what they took part in last September- lying about School and Uni spread for slimey politicians. See Nottingham in Sept 2020. Post Easter was the time for schools without masks. Luckily they wont kill older people this time.
I sincerely hope we NEVER return to "Normality" again...
"Normality" was...
A goverment cheering the blocking of NHS pay rises...
An underfunded NHS...
Corrupt lying self serving politicians serving themselves and not the people...
That WAS "Normality" it's time for a NEW "REALITY" and not going back to the so called "Normality" we have all allowed this nation to go dowhill under...
"Normality" was...
A goverment cheering the blocking of NHS pay rises...
An underfunded NHS...
Corrupt lying self serving politicians serving themselves and not the people...
That WAS "Normality" it's time for a NEW "REALITY" and not going back to the so called "Normality" we have all allowed this nation to go dowhill under...
Yes because masks and tests just to have an education is normal isn't it?
It's endemic, but now a seasonal bug. Death figures are plummeting all over the northern hemisphere, with and without vaccines, with and without lockdowns, all thanks to Dr Spring.
You should do some alternative research before making unfounded comments.
Cue the loony teacher haters on here
yep won't be long before they start posting rubbish embrassing themselves.
My views on my kids' teachers vary, most are decent people who are very hard working and dedicated to their job, and they have generally put a lot of extra effort in this year (for which I'm very grateful).
Then there are some who really shouldn't be let near young people in my opinion, and others who insist on playing childish and obstructive politics.
It's not as simple as you seem to think.
Then there are some who really shouldn't be let near young people in my opinion, and others who insist on playing childish and obstructive politics.
It's not as simple as you seem to think.
Precious few remotely 'hate' teachers. However a portion of teachers see the slightest criticism of any portion of those that happen to do the same job, or the fact they are very highly paid as this modern fad describing different opinions as 'hate'. Teachers live in a sea of sucking up by parents and children to avoid ‘persecution', so imagine every loves them regardless all the time everywhere.
Making children wear masks is child abuse and those responsible for this nonsense should be prosecuted.
Are you from Texas?
I think loss of education has been worse for the children.
Primary school children are not required to wear masks, and secondary school children should be able to cope with a face coviering.
Primary school children are not required to wear masks, and secondary school children should be able to cope with a face coviering.
Great.
Now prove it's s abuse.
We're all waiting, cupcake.
Now prove it's s abuse.
We're all waiting, cupcake.
Agreed. And so is sticking swabs down their throats and up their noses virtually every day: three times at school and twice at home.
As all this is not compulsory I hope most parents care enough about their kids to say NO!
As all this is not compulsory I hope most parents care enough about their kids to say NO!
It's good to see the kids wearing masks and the testing should help; massive shame this was'nt pushed before but gov have been slow to implement many things.
Broadly speaking (and I know there will be exceptions) I think lockdown has been hardest for children. It's the important, formative years where one develops and learns socially, creatively and academically.
I hope things go well for them now they're back, and I hope our leaders do all they can to help avoid further disruption
I hope things go well for them now they're back, and I hope our leaders do all they can to help avoid further disruption
The young have been affected far more than anyone else during this crisis. It's good to see that prioritising schools reopening is top of the agenda.
Bow get hospitality and travel back open to allow millions more young people to get back to work.
Bow get hospitality and travel back open to allow millions more young people to get back to work.
There are currently no plans for children to be allowed to grow socially or creatively. Everything is all academically. Schools are not measured on their ability to bring up well rounded children, they are judged by performance. This means that a fronted adverbial will always be more important than understanding differences between people.
Utter nonsense. Life does not and never did revolve Around schools for children. It is the day jail of forced association with those you would not choose to be with. Real life always had friends locally. I suppose as parents buss their liability children to the dumping school childcare service long distances from home, children rarely permitted local friends next door creating this distopia.
Just a shame so much time was wasted at the start, then at each lockdown. Isolation, masks, delay delay. Track and trace - still not working properly, 54 weeks to isolating (some) arrivals. With better government the damage would have been a lot less. While we have much to be proud of, it isn't the Government
The burden of lockdown does seem to have been borne most by the people who benefit from it the least.
If we lived in a country of tolerance and equality, such a sacrifice would be acknowledged, recognized and thanked. Unfortunately, it seems more likely that it will be met with entitlement and petty accusations.
If we lived in a country of tolerance and equality, such a sacrifice would be acknowledged, recognized and thanked. Unfortunately, it seems more likely that it will be met with entitlement and petty accusations.
So how are you measuring 'hard'? Why do you think not going to school is harder than, say, losing your job or spending your last months on this planet in isolation?
I believe the older kids that have stuck to rules found it harder than infants. Mine are 7 and 9 and apart from losing their great nan in april so cant visit on Thursdays anymore they have been in good spirits and kept to curriculum. They were happy as Larry to get back to it today of course
..and masking them up for hours and constantly testing is a good thing? Some of the photos and alleged quotes from students in this article are disturbing eg; "But, if we've got to do it then we've got to do it - it's the guidelines so we've got to just abide by it."
Well. Look on the bright side. If they ever get sent to Prison it will be a walk in the park for them Lol !!!
I bet you're having a party...miserable oxygen thief.
Removed
I doubt it.
Yes, it will likely increase the R number, but it will most likely stay below 1. In September the R number was already above one, and then the increase due to schools had more effect.
Yes, it will likely increase the R number, but it will most likely stay below 1. In September the R number was already above one, and then the increase due to schools had more effect.
Removed
Great to get the kids back to school. Relief all round.
Lets see what the impact is on the infection rate in a couple of weeks.
Hope we are at least trying to learn lessons.
Lets see what the impact is on the infection rate in a couple of weeks.
Hope we are at least trying to learn lessons.
Yes the virus is relieved! Hosts all rammed in together indoors all day to pass it around. Then take it out far and wide.
Bad parents will also be relieved to dump their encumbrances on the free to use childcare. Avoiding their responsibilities to educate their child.
Bad parents will also be relieved to dump their encumbrances on the free to use childcare. Avoiding their responsibilities to educate their child.
Sure
Hopefully, today is the first day of getting back some normality in our lives.
Couldn't agree more. Doesn't affect me personally as I have no kids, and to be honest I'm sick and tired of hearing about it, but it is a sign that things are, fingers crossed, beginning to move forward
it will be once they vaccinate all pupils at schools for covid
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
And the parents who've been working full time ?
Don't they need a holiday.
Maybe tie the kids to a lamp post in the park....someone will look after them.
Don't they need a holiday.
Maybe tie the kids to a lamp post in the park....someone will look after them.
How do you propose paying for summer school? Staff do not come for free you know.
So, makes the kids work at home when schools can't be open and then take their holidays away as well?
If that was going to be the case it should have been declared when schools were closed, not after the children have been trying to work at home for the last 2 months.
They have not been 'off'
If that was going to be the case it should have been declared when schools were closed, not after the children have been trying to work at home for the last 2 months.
They have not been 'off'
you do realise its not just been a big holiday for school kids?
Wow so many things wrong with that comment. Firstly Teachers haven't. Secondly kids have still been doing school work at home. And most of all, time off to do what? Stay locked in their houses all day, yeah that's a really substitute for a summer holiday.
It dosn't work that way, they can only take so much in, unless they are gifted, and they will sort themselves out in any event.
Most parent's might object to that, many used to take their children out of school early to get a cheaper holiday, so I can't see them sticking around for the complete summer break.
I have been working full time! Where is my weeks and weeks off work! When I do get some time off I have to listen to the neighbour (drama teacher) and his kids screaming and playing loud music all the time. No, sorry but it's their turn to work!
And what about the teachers who have been working their butts off?
Online learning may be a festering dung heap, but believe it or not it has taken teachers a lot MORE effort to deliver it, than if they had just been teaching in the classroom.
But people like you don't want to hear the truth.
Online learning may be a festering dung heap, but believe it or not it has taken teachers a lot MORE effort to deliver it, than if they had just been teaching in the classroom.
But people like you don't want to hear the truth.
Making children wear masks is child abuse and those responsible for this nonsense should be prosecuted.
Son back today. He was nervous as it’s been so long. Let’s hope it is for good, but my niece is already isolating as they had a positive case last week in her key worker kids class.
My son missed nearly a month of school already through this.
My son missed nearly a month of school already through this.
Sending kids back to school during a pandemic. I've known pigeons with better memories.
I can only speak for our local primary and the measures they have in place are excellent. Both myself and my wife are keyworkers and our eldest has been at school the whole time. There have been no cases at the school and its great that all the other kids are finally going back! Roll on summer and more freedom
Not exactly, no. The current plan is to either increase the school day or shorten the school holidays, meaning that children who have been at school during lockdown (65% in my school) will be doing catch up work on the work they've already caught up on.
Has everyone been getting tested regularly? If not, you may have had asymptomatic cases.
Thanks for talking abut your actual experience rather than the doomsayers and theorists making stuff up?
Amazing how the number of so called key workers increased this time round as opposed to the first lock down. A lot of folk taking advantage.
I live next door to a school and watched the free for all going on now they are all back. No social distancing, laods of kids in the playground playing at close quarters at both breaks I've seen so far. No masks. However when the infection rate shoots up in 2 weeks it will be the fault of pubs...oh wait.....
Thank you to all school staff as well as other key workers, who are willing to set aside some personal safety and work during these difficult times.
Totally agree...let's not judge teachers based on their militant unions.
We are all key workers. One sector would struggle to operate with the others around it.
If you want militant unions try: The 1922 Committee, ERG, CRG and NRG.
Remember the 1922 Committee can sack Prime Minsters; just ask Thatcher, Major, Cameron and May.
Remember the 1922 Committee can sack Prime Minsters; just ask Thatcher, Major, Cameron and May.
Cue the loony teacher haters on here
Making children wear masks is child abuse and those responsible for this nonsense should be prosecuted.
Making children wear masks is child abuse and those responsible for this nonsense should be prosecuted.
Great news - well done again to teachers
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
The BBC have been so efficient at pumping out their own agenda of pro lockdown, pro mask, pro fear, propaganda, that you would think they would recognise the manipulative propaganda emanating from the mouths of M&H when they see and hear it.
Yes indeed, and would they have done the interview without the cash ?
No respect
No respect
Personally I an sick to the back teeth of having megan & harry markle reporting all over the media.
Not the first Royal to be suckered by a yankie gold digger
Not the first Royal to be suckered by a yankie gold digger
Very little in the article re returning to school inevitably fuelling an increase in infection rates. Kids from different families all together in learning 'bubbles', going home to mix with siblings who attend different schools, plus their parent(s)... Most of the people we know who have had Covid have caught it via their kids at school. Teachers as a group not yet vaccinated. What could go wrong?
If you don't want anything to go wrong...stay hiding under your bed.
That's the safest place for you I think.
That's the safest place for you I think.
There’s less than 3 weeks until the end of term anyway and cases are at a low level. Already 40% of adults are vaccinated and it will over 50% before long.
With R below 1 it may not even rise above 1 but even if it does it will only be short term until vaccinations drive it down again and won’t lead to an increase in hospitalisations or deaths.
With R below 1 it may not even rise above 1 but even if it does it will only be short term until vaccinations drive it down again and won’t lead to an increase in hospitalisations or deaths.
nothing, schools have been open all the time, haven't read even on the biased BBC that teachers have been dropping like flies, we may even have cases of people getting influenza now which strangely has disappeared?
And most of the people you know who had covid probably shrugged it off more easily than a bad cold!
22 million of the most vulnerable are now vaccinated. Kids should be going back to school with no masks and no testing.
22 million of the most vulnerable are now vaccinated. Kids should be going back to school with no masks and no testing.
Families as a group have not yet been vaccinated either. Colleagues as a group have not yet been vaccinated either etc .Some teachers will have had the vaccine just as some family members/colleagues will have been . We all mix and all mix in different settings so your argument regarding teachers being vaccinated as a group does not make much sense.
Normality? Yes that is definitely what I would want for my kids, if I had any. Therefore as both masks and testing are voluntary I would say no to both of them, if I were a parent. Because normal schooling DOES NOT mean wearing a mask and regularly sticking a swab down your throat and up your nose. With over 22 million of the most vulnerable now vaccinated, all this is completely unnecessary.
100% - Exactly what my 13 yr old said - he has gone back today as planned, but said it was not going back to normal, thinks masks all day is going to be a pain and get in the way of teaching/learning..Just put a coat on and open all the windows would be easier, and probably as effective...no testing consent given based on flawed test and the need not to test healthy kids.
Please remember guys infections don’t matter
Deaths and trips to the hospitals do matter
Now we have a vaccine the first should not necessarily mean the latter
Deaths and trips to the hospitals do matter
Now we have a vaccine the first should not necessarily mean the latter
Very few people seem capable of getting their heads around that very logical concept.
Unfortunately, whilst being largely correct, that is not completely true. In a high infection scenario the chances of mutations are greater and a really significant one of those could cause Hospital visits and deaths to soar. We need to take precautions to prevent all of these metrics escalating.
Not actually entirely true. If we have high rates of infection, i.e. lots of people with covid and lots of new cases, there is a higher chance the virus will randomly mutate and a higher chance a vaccine-resistant strain will emerge. We need to have at least some control over infection (vaccines help with that too obviously).
Yes, both government and the great unwashed don't seem to have enough intelligence to appreciate this very simple fact.
vaccine will be good once all schools have mass vaccinations
Right, but with long Covid, you get more deaths and trips to the hospital down the line, the evidence suggests, even where you haven't had it first time around. (That's taking everything under the umbrella of Long Covid together. It is likely to be a number of different conditions, only some of which are significantly increasing frequency of medical issues later down the line.)
YOU seem to be forgetting that covid 19 doesn't just kill or create long term health issues for those in the groups that have already been vaccinated - younger and less vulnerable people have died in significant numbers and still could. It is also the same with long covid affects so suggesting infections "don't matter" is just plain dumb.
And 80% of 'infections' are asymptomatic, not to mention the false positives from the PCR test. A case is only ever someone who is actively ill.
A good point, however, having had it myself (not hospitalised - physically fit 25 year-old) it floored me and was not an experience I would wish on anyone. Chest pains, coughing and fatigue like nothing else. For about 6 weeks I could only manage working half days before literally collapsing at home. I'm just grateful it wasn't full on long COVID! Lord knows what hell that is.
The government said Schools would reopen after everyone in priority groups 1 to 4 had been offered a vaccine and had 3 weeks to build up immunity. They have not done that.
The government said people would be vaccinated in order of priority. But with lots in group 6 (16-64 with heath conditions that put them at risk) still not offered a vaccination they are doing groups 7 and 8 (ages 64 to 56).
The government said people would be vaccinated in order of priority. But with lots in group 6 (16-64 with heath conditions that put them at risk) still not offered a vaccination they are doing groups 7 and 8 (ages 64 to 56).
infections lead to hospitalisations and deaths.
With the vaccine there has been a reduction in the latter, but allowing exponential growth in infections will become a problem sooner or later.
With the vaccine there has been a reduction in the latter, but allowing exponential growth in infections will become a problem sooner or later.
Well yes, deaths and trips to hospitals matter, not infections. But can you cut it exactly to the inch?
Spot on
flu kills and yet nobody gets stressed when they catch it!
flu kills and yet nobody gets stressed when they catch it!
But the government continually moves the goal posts and this farce continues. Yet the BBC never questions anything and removes comments that go against the government spin.
Infections DO matter. Giving the virus the opportunity to further mutate into more dangerous and transmissable forms that might evade vaccines will undo everything that has been done so far
But only about 21million people have been vaccinated so far, and the number of first-doses is going to reduce quickly now to give people second doses. A lot of vulnerable people still haven't had their vaccine either by choice or for medical reasons.
Please everyone remember that it is just the schools going back, it is not a general lifting of restrictions - so continue to follow the rules, however mind numbingly boring it might be and perhaps the current time table will come true!
Actually you are allowed to meet one other person outdoors from today.
"People will be allowed to leave home for recreation ...with one person from outside their household."
"People will be allowed to leave home for recreation ...with one person from outside their household."
It’ll have to become true as most people won’t accept another Lockdown
If only the ‘tards down Govan way would get the message.
If someone is having to expose themselves to someone who is exposed to hundreds of people every day, why should they care abouut other restrictions?
Seems to me all those that are saying "obey the rules" do so without questioning if the rues were legitimate to begin with.
How many people keep the rules most of the time except when it is inconvenient?
"Freedom is taken, not given"
Just follow all the arbitrary non scientific rules that take away our freedom & perhaps one day the tyrants will magnanimously bestow our God given rights back to us - just so long as we do everything they say.
Look up some Huxley quotes.
He reads like an oracle today; his accurate liberal & intellectual allegories & dystopian predictions now being the new normal.
Just follow all the arbitrary non scientific rules that take away our freedom & perhaps one day the tyrants will magnanimously bestow our God given rights back to us - just so long as we do everything they say.
Look up some Huxley quotes.
He reads like an oracle today; his accurate liberal & intellectual allegories & dystopian predictions now being the new normal.
Unfortunately there are some who do seem to think all restrictions have been lifted. On passing a school this a.m. there were about 50 adult adults waiting outside, no social distancing and no masks. This area still has a very high infection rate.....I wonder why???????
But the rules are stupid and illogical. For example. How is me not being able to buy a pair of jeans going to save a life? One of many utterly stupid rules here in wales.
You still, really, don't get the fact that the 'rules' will not help at all. They have simply been introduced by the Govt as a way of making it appear that people can do something about spreading the virus by taking the responsibility of wearing a mask and social distancing. These measures do not make a difference ultimately, the Govt already know this.
I think you will find most kids flouted restrictions months ago and adults followed or led them. Only have to see the traffic on the road to know most are returning to normal. Even footballers are getting their hair cut and huge gatherings in Scotland for football.
Finally it looks like we are returning to some normality, largely thanks to the excellent scientists developing vaccines and rapid testing. Thankyou
I bet you're fun at parties
Obviously you are a ‘glass half empty’ kind of person ........
I too want to get back to real normality as soon as possible. I want to see my friends and family again. I want to go abroad on holiday and relax as normal.
However, I think that slow progress is the only real way to achieve that. Rushing to open everything up will ultimately mean it takes longer to get to any real normality.
However, I think that slow progress is the only real way to achieve that. Rushing to open everything up will ultimately mean it takes longer to get to any real normality.
It's like you are actively trying to damage the country.
Wearing masks, in isolation, isn't a big issue at all. So why make it into one?
Wearing masks, in isolation, isn't a big issue at all. So why make it into one?
Of course it can come too soon.
Do you not read the words of the scientists tasked with preventing COVID and its variants spreading.
Not everyone is clamouring for all inclusive holidays.
Do you not read the words of the scientists tasked with preventing COVID and its variants spreading.
Not everyone is clamouring for all inclusive holidays.
Wow so a mask stops you doing what ....Thats right nothing and oh dear can you not go on Holiday didums
Borders should never be open again as before. They should require full locked up quarantine every trip. It is the only way to be ahead of the next one, or new variants. It is only a habit change. No big deal.
Likewise all education should be available directly to the home at all times. Now it is a legal requirement. It will aid the ill and excluded immediately and be ready for transition to it.
Likewise all education should be available directly to the home at all times. Now it is a legal requirement. It will aid the ill and excluded immediately and be ready for transition to it.
That can only happen when its over globally....
Have you really not been paying attention. Just because we are safer here doesn't mean we can holiday or travel like we used to.
Have you really not been paying attention. Just because we are safer here doesn't mean we can holiday or travel like we used to.
Making children wear masks is child abuse and those responsible for this nonsense should be prosecuted.
In my school, 1500 students will come back over today and tomorrow. By Friday, half will have a cough and be isolating. Like fresher's flu.
This should have been staggered, and not doing so risks backsliding very soon.
This should have been staggered, and not doing so risks backsliding very soon.
If that is the case then your school will have done a bad job on the testing. Quite simple all children tested so there should be no children in school infecting others.
I hope this is a troll pseudonym. Because this is exactly the kind of comment that gets teachers despised and hated.
Good teachers know that, with over 22 million of the most vulnerable now vaccinated, all kids should be back with no testing and no masks. They more than deserve (and need) their NORMAL schooling back.
Good teachers know that, with over 22 million of the most vulnerable now vaccinated, all kids should be back with no testing and no masks. They more than deserve (and need) their NORMAL schooling back.
Sending kids back to school during a pandemic. I've known pigeons with better memories.
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
Well if that was much of a drag having kids, looking after them and paying to keep them then people shouldn’t have kids.
Just churning out babies because you feel like doesn’t entitle you to anything.
People might “want” a holiday. But “need” is completely different.
Just churning out babies because you feel like doesn’t entitle you to anything.
People might “want” a holiday. But “need” is completely different.
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
Great news - well done again to teachers
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
But don't let that stop you from sitting in judgement of people you have probably never even met. . . A little caring compassion goes a long way.
The BBC has done an excellent job despite the hysterical clown bots whinging about Propaganda. The BBC is run by a Tory and as such portrays the incompetent clowns in power in the best light that they can.
Very little in the article re returning to school inevitably fuelling an increase in infection rates. Kids from different families all together in learning 'bubbles', going home to mix with siblings who attend different schools, plus their parent(s)... Most of the people we know who have had Covid have caught it via their kids at school. Teachers as a group not yet vaccinated. What could go wrong?
Making children wear masks is child abuse and those responsible for this nonsense should be prosecuted.
Today is 3 weeks after completing priority groups 1-4 with their first vaccine dose (hence this reopening date), and are now making strong inroads into groups 5-9.
Should infections go up again as a result of schools returning, the vaccine rollout (on top of drug treatments) will ensure this isn’t a serious concern. We need to start standing up to our enemies, not hiding in fear of them.
Should infections go up again as a result of schools returning, the vaccine rollout (on top of drug treatments) will ensure this isn’t a serious concern. We need to start standing up to our enemies, not hiding in fear of them.
Infections going up is always a concern.
With the vaccination programme a higher level of infection in the country might be tolerable, but increasing infections will reach that level sooner or later.
If infections stay constant after this change I would expect delays to the next stage of opening up.
What we should hope to see is a small reduction in the rate of decrease.
With the vaccination programme a higher level of infection in the country might be tolerable, but increasing infections will reach that level sooner or later.
If infections stay constant after this change I would expect delays to the next stage of opening up.
What we should hope to see is a small reduction in the rate of decrease.
'We need to start standing up to our enemies, not hiding in fear of them.'
And there we see the kind of inane, nonsensical war-rhetoric that has been BJ's mantra. And led to huge death rates. Utter drivel.
And there we see the kind of inane, nonsensical war-rhetoric that has been BJ's mantra. And led to huge death rates. Utter drivel.
The real enemy is people's irrational fear of this virus.
Actually, it will increase the chances of getting a problematic mutation that the vaccine doesn't work against, and there is a time lag to rolling out adjusted vaccines that will help against those.
The government said Schools would reopen after everyone in priority groups 1 to 4 had been offered a vaccine and had 3 weeks to build up immunity. They have not done that.
The government said people would be vaccinated in order of priority. But with lots in group 6 (16-64 with heath conditions that put them at risk) still not offered a vaccination they are doing groups 7 and 8 (ages 64 to 56).
The government said people would be vaccinated in order of priority. But with lots in group 6 (16-64 with heath conditions that put them at risk) still not offered a vaccination they are doing groups 7 and 8 (ages 64 to 56).
Cases fell when schools remained open last year during 'lockdown 2'. In addition many areas had fewer cases in September than they did in August once schools returned after the summer.
We need to start adhering to the perfectly sensible scientific methodology you began expounding, and we need to stop then conflating it with Churchillian wartime waffle! Then we shall defeat this virus on the beaches and on the landing grounds, and we'll meet again one sunny day! ;-)
The notion that you can "stand up" to a virus as if it were a human enemy is in large part what got us in this situation in the first place. In fact all the social distancing and hygiene is how one "stands up" to a virus (and nothing to do with hiding in fear) -- if it had started in Feb last year, and we'd quickly got test/trace in place, could have saved a lot of bother.
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
Now lets hope all the whining can start, the unions shut up and et the teachers get on with work, its better all round the criticism from whatever end stops, and trying to teach these children can begin, we need no more bickering and excuses from the unions whatsoever, GET OUR CHILDREN EDUCATED.
idiotic comment , unions are there to protect their members from people like you evidently
When is the next inset day?
Because it is nonsense. Regarless of vaccines, one will have have a causal effect on the other. Very high infections lead to more deaths.
Oddly, it is the exact opposite of logic. It is a flawed arguement.
Very few people also seem capable of understanding what a mutation is.
It's overly simplistic, and I suspect he's implying that infections that don't kill you and send you to the hospital within a month (say) don't matter. Whereas actually there's evidence that even where it doesn't, you are more prone to dying, much more prone to respiratory complications etc.
To be honest, I think the vast majority have got there heads round it, unfortunately they don't make headlines. The press pick up on the few, and suddenly a crowd of 10 becomes a riot, that sells papers............?
Flawed logic at the moment. The vaccine does not offer 100% protection. It's still very risky at the moment to be complacent about being infected. Once we achieve herd immunity we will all be much safer.
Thank you to all school staff as well as other key workers, who are willing to set aside some personal safety and work during these difficult times.
Teachers and teachers unions are the same people.
to you the RCN and BMA are militant Unions .... have a look at your BT /Vodafone bill for April (CPI + 3.9% rise).. then check Council tax and water and Gas and Electric .. then watch May 2021 ONS Infaltion figure prior to the 1% June 2021 NHS pay cut. Lets not judge teachers or nurses - that will be a better start for the right wing Govt. loving , people bashing sycophants.
Militant unions lol. I would guess that Thatcher is your idol.
Unfortunately we do.
For years the NUT and others have been the "answer's no, what's the question?" types and have given a poor impression of the profession.
For years the NUT and others have been the "answer's no, what's the question?" types and have given a poor impression of the profession.
Militant Unions? 5 days worth of teacher strikes in the past 25 years despite pay dropping by 15%, pensions twice changed, accademisation and countless gov't failings and bonkers initiatives. Teaching Unions aren't militant, they are mild. In a society where there is no real opposition to Conservatism, mild can be perceived as Militant however if the media want it to.
In a similar vein, let's not judge unions based on the hysterical paranoid delusions about a 'Trotskyite revolution' that exists only on the pages of certain tabloids and inside the heads of the HYS commentators who read them...
Let's not say the unions are militants for starters. Johnson said what was needed for schools to go back last May 2020 and then failed to deliver it. "Militant un ions" - knee jerk response
The unions are doing their job. Some inner-city schools (Leeds, Birmingham) have had extremely high rates of Covid amongst teachers, and there is a clear case for vaccination in these areas at least.
you can thank 'militant' unions for every workers' right you have at your luxury.
Thanks for this. Unions and teachers are not the same thing.
I do not want to be first in line for a vaccine, but according to the unions its imperative we are. I didn't want extended school closures, but according to the unions I did.
I have to pay my membership more as insurance against accusations of malpractise than anything. But I don't feel 'represented' by my union.
I do not want to be first in line for a vaccine, but according to the unions its imperative we are. I didn't want extended school closures, but according to the unions I did.
I have to pay my membership more as insurance against accusations of malpractise than anything. But I don't feel 'represented' by my union.
You’re joking right? Militant unions. Teachers have put up with an appalling year of government policy failure and their unions quite rightly are there to protect them as much as possible
It's the unions job to protect their members and mine has worked with the management to get everything to work, which it has done. Kids are happy, staff are happy.
Let's not judge all unions on the actions of just one union. And let's not judge that union on the nonsense peddled about them on social media.
Great news - well done again to teachers
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
Let's hope that between the vaccines and those with kids of school age now going back to school that parents don't let their guard down and mingle at the schoolyards with each other or share vehicles with other families as if it was all over...
There's still a lot of people to be vaccinated yet and vaccinated or not you can still spread the virus, so keep masked up, socially distance & be wise...
There's still a lot of people to be vaccinated yet and vaccinated or not you can still spread the virus, so keep masked up, socially distance & be wise...
Broadly speaking (and I know there will be exceptions) I think lockdown has been hardest for children. It's the important, formative years where one develops and learns socially, creatively and academically.
I hope things go well for them now they're back, and I hope our leaders do all they can to help avoid further disruption
I hope things go well for them now they're back, and I hope our leaders do all they can to help avoid further disruption
The young have been affected far more than anyone else during this crisis. How much of your infant and middle school do you recall? They will have forgotten it by the time they are 20.
Get hospitality and travel back open to allow millions more young people to get back to work. What work? The increased retirement age and pandemic have taken care of all the jobs, there are none vacant.
Get hospitality and travel back open to allow millions more young people to get back to work. What work? The increased retirement age and pandemic have taken care of all the jobs, there are none vacant.
Tell that to the dead, dying and their reltives and friends.
Why, tell that to the dying, the young are more resilient, its the older generation who are dying or afraid to go out...
Rubbish. Those that have died have been affected far more than anyone else during this crisis, and they are mostly the old.
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
Williamson wants schools as child minders, hence the rush to have all children back ASAP. It’s as daft as his longer days/different terms idea and based on the same thinking - childcare so that the plebs can get back into the office and the landlords can rake in their rent.
So you don't agree with any of the "experts" who almost universally agree that getting kids back to school is essential for their development, mental health, not to mention education and subsequent life chances?
Children in school will spread Covid, no question.
Oh, hang on ...
In the absence of strict lockdown, children mixing outside of school would have also have spread Covid, probably more so, with the current observation of lockdown rules.
So on balance, regarding the spread of Covid, it's not such a big issue.
Oh, hang on ...
In the absence of strict lockdown, children mixing outside of school would have also have spread Covid, probably more so, with the current observation of lockdown rules.
So on balance, regarding the spread of Covid, it's not such a big issue.
They're not getting me back to school and I don't care what anyone says. I didn't like it the first time and I'm not going back for another dose. I'm 62 years of age for heaven's sake!
An ' "education recovery commissioner" ' is not necessary, in my view, unless its function is to look into changes to curriculum and assessment frameworks and not the nonsense that Gavin Williamson was referring to. "Catch-up" and "recovery" are misnomers: the Government should be focusing on skills-based assessments and content reduction in the context of the last year.
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
Wait for the unions/labour supporters to moan about sending kids back.
Sending kids back safely, that's all they want
How is this time any different to the last disastrous time?
How is this time any different to the last disastrous time?
Wait for some idiot trying to stir up division where it does not exist.
Yeah, guys like you would rather go back to the glory Victorian times, with all that child labour and no protection of kids and workers whatsoever.
Very little in the article re returning to school inevitably fuelling an increase in infection rates. Kids from different families all together in learning 'bubbles', going home to mix with siblings who attend different schools, plus their parent(s)... Most of the people we know who have had Covid have caught it via their kids at school. Teachers as a group not yet vaccinated. What could go wrong?
There’s less than 3 weeks until the end of term anyway and cases are at a low level. Already 40% of adults are vaccinated and it will over 50% before long.
With R below 1 it may not even rise above 1 but even if it does it will only be short term until vaccinations drive it down again and won’t lead to an increase in hospitalisations or deaths.
With R below 1 it may not even rise above 1 but even if it does it will only be short term until vaccinations drive it down again and won’t lead to an increase in hospitalisations or deaths.
Totally agree...let's not judge teachers based on their militant unions.
Pathetic mask lover
Removed
Are you serious Steve?, wearing masks every time you enter anywhere indoors is normal?, is ‘socially distancing’ normal too?.
There’s a really worrying loud minority who appear to want to impose such measures forever.
The whole response to this virus has been bordering on crazed. Basic logic dictates we can’t go on like this much longer
There’s a really worrying loud minority who appear to want to impose such measures forever.
The whole response to this virus has been bordering on crazed. Basic logic dictates we can’t go on like this much longer
An abnormal item by definition prevents you from living a normal life.
I don't personally mind the masks too much for what they are (I wore one to the shops before they were mandated although not sure how much good it did), but I would be much happier if there were clear criteria for getting rid of them for good
I don't personally mind the masks too much for what they are (I wore one to the shops before they were mandated although not sure how much good it did), but I would be much happier if there were clear criteria for getting rid of them for good
I actually think masks should become the norm, particularly during the winter flu season, it's virtually been eradicated this year in part due to lockdown and wearing masks. Not saying it should be compulsory, but encouraged. Would even help against the common cold.
Look at the first picture in the article again....that's taken in a school!
I cannot see how that's considered 'normal' when children are basically considered a bio-hazard.
I cannot see how that's considered 'normal' when children are basically considered a bio-hazard.
Now lets hope all the whining can start, the unions shut up and et the teachers get on with work, its better all round the criticism from whatever end stops, and trying to teach these children can begin, we need no more bickering and excuses from the unions whatsoever, GET OUR CHILDREN EDUCATED.
What a relief for the millions of parents living in cramped conditions, trying to home school kids from different year groups, often on their own and with limited, sometimes no, IT. And trying to hang on to their jobs at the same time. When finances allow, they all deserve a decent pay rise.
We will know in the weeks around Easter whether this is insanity or inspired, uf the former where does it leave us, if the latter plaudits where its due.
Remember this though, the vaccine rollout has only reached so many, there are millions still to be done.
Remember this though, the vaccine rollout has only reached so many, there are millions still to be done.
As only infants go to parties this line of 'fun at parties' really only appeals to the terminally infantile that still go to them instead of having grown up out of it! Still it is funny to see the telling line trotted out as though a bad thing.
Guess now we will be seeing the virus spread again thanks to school gulags reopening and people relaxing their attention to the safety measure rules.
Guess now we will be seeing the virus spread again thanks to school gulags reopening and people relaxing their attention to the safety measure rules.
Well, two key differences are 40% of adults have now been vaccinated and we’re no longer in winter, always the time of year when the NHS is under the most pressure and respiratory infections thrive:
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
Williamson wants schools as child minders, hence the rush to have all children back ASAP. It’s as daft as his longer days/different terms idea and based on the same thinking - childcare so that the plebs can get back into the office and the landlords can rake in their rent.
"back to normality'
=Really??????
"didn't want to be alive any more" ???
"how dark" is the UK regime ?
=Really??????
"didn't want to be alive any more" ???
"how dark" is the UK regime ?
The schools (and almost everything else) had to shut because Boris never closed the borders like Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
He has ruined the lives of so very many people.
And yet he goes around acting like an upbeat and optimistic fool and making bad jokes.
He is a deeply offensive clown.
He has ruined the lives of so very many people.
And yet he goes around acting like an upbeat and optimistic fool and making bad jokes.
He is a deeply offensive clown.
And you wouldn't have had your jab without him as Starmer and co were screaming for us to join the EU Vaccination programme.
There were many hundreds of thousands of UK citizens abroad at the time, UK airports are hubs for onward travel. Thousands of Australians, a year on have still not been able to go home due to border closures. So closing borders was not really an option last Spring. New Zealand and Australia are bigger countries with much, much lower population densities and not enroute to anywhere in normal times.
There are many deeply offensive clowns about Boris is not one of them
An ' "education recovery commissioner" ' is not necessary, in my view, unless its function is to look into changes to curriculum and assessment frameworks and not the nonsense that Gavin Williamson was referring to. "Catch-up" and "recovery" are misnomers: the Government should be focusing on skills-based assessments and content reduction in the context of the last year.
And this is the problem, Few educational decisions at Government level are about education; they're politically motivated by ministers' needs to 'make a difference' in their narrow window of opportunity.
Hopefully the first step on our way back to normality :)
Good luck to all the students heading back today, and also good luck to all the teachers who will be back in classrooms or have a full class again.
Good luck to all the students heading back today, and also good luck to all the teachers who will be back in classrooms or have a full class again.
In my school, 1500 students will come back over today and tomorrow. By Friday, half will have a cough and be isolating. Like fresher's flu.
This should have been staggered, and not doing so risks backsliding very soon.
This should have been staggered, and not doing so risks backsliding very soon.
Today is 3 weeks after completing priority groups 1-4 with their first vaccine dose (hence this reopening date), and are now making strong inroads into groups 5-9.
Should infections go up again as a result of schools returning, the vaccine rollout (on top of drug treatments) will ensure this isn’t a serious concern. We need to start standing up to our enemies, not hiding in fear of them.
Should infections go up again as a result of schools returning, the vaccine rollout (on top of drug treatments) will ensure this isn’t a serious concern. We need to start standing up to our enemies, not hiding in fear of them.
Infections going up is always a concern.
With the vaccination programme a higher level of infection in the country might be tolerable, but increasing infections will reach that level sooner or later.
If infections stay constant after this change I would expect delays to the next stage of opening up.
What we should hope to see is a small reduction in the rate of decrease.
With the vaccination programme a higher level of infection in the country might be tolerable, but increasing infections will reach that level sooner or later.
If infections stay constant after this change I would expect delays to the next stage of opening up.
What we should hope to see is a small reduction in the rate of decrease.
Schools were determined to have very little, if any , impact on the spread of covid.
Why are infections so important? With the vast majority of the vulnerable having been vaccinated infections should have no bearing on opening up
Well the idea that increasing infections will reach that level sooner or later simply isn’t accurate. Once you get to the point where you’ve vaccinated almost half of adults and we know a single dose prevents 2/3rds of transmission it just isn’t possible for cases to rise exponentially to levels higher than we’ve seen before because the number of people the virus can infect is much lower.
Also the government have already said that even if infections increase a bit that wouldn’t cause a delay to the next stage and rightly so because the timetable is already far too slow considering infections are at such a low level and deaths have now almost certainly reached the point where they’re below average levels for this time of year.
I would just like to say a huge well done to all the parents of anxious children this morning.
We shouldn't underestimate the huge challenge for some kids going back to school today. Many will have been isolated, living and learning in a cocoon for the best part of a year.
That anxiety is naturally passed on to their parents who, lets face it, have their own pressures and anxieties to deal with.
We shouldn't underestimate the huge challenge for some kids going back to school today. Many will have been isolated, living and learning in a cocoon for the best part of a year.
That anxiety is naturally passed on to their parents who, lets face it, have their own pressures and anxieties to deal with.
It is a shame to there are so few Pastoral staff left in schools to guide children through this difficult time, but those academy chains with wealthy CEO's need their bonuses.
Children are more resilient than we give them credit for. I would interpret your alluding to pastoral care as the collective company and friendships in the schools they attend. By lunchtime on their first day back at school and among their friends, they will have soon forgotten that they have been absent from school for so long.
Great news - well done again to teachers
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
Should lead BBC today - not the bread and circuses of House of Windsor vs House of Murdoch Removed
Good. Now forget about summer holidays. They already had more than enough time off.
The summer holidays are not week and weeks off to doss about. teachers do take some time off which is good for mental health and to spend time with their own families. Because during term time they don't have time to spend most nights working past 10pm on lesson plans, marking, seating plans, equipment sheets. also adapting plans for kids who struggle with lessons.
Then weekends taken up with much the same. or with professional learning because they have to stay on top of new research on eduction and teaching. so holidays are for family time. but you have two weeks maybe three if your lucky. because some muppets in government change the curriculum AGAIN so they have to re write lessons that now fit that. or ofsted will happily come in berating them.
Oh but this ok their just teachers and not entitled to a family life. as long as they are your childminders. you have issue with your neighbour go talk to them instead of whining. And stop lumping all teachers in same pot because you don't like your neighbour. I don't like mine doesn't mean im again all shop workers when he plays music past 1am.
and im not a teacher but my wife is. and she has underlying conditions. yes she has had the jab but that doesn't make you impervious to this it just might help emphasis on might. she has been working all the way through this pandemic she also gave up her easter last year which people forget. they don't get that back. not that you care. so I look forward to summer when I can have my wife back.
I have to listen to the neighbour (drama teacher) and his kids screaming and playing loud music all the time. You could have joined in, might have learned something.
Now lets hope all the whining can start, the unions shut up and et the teachers get on with work, its better all round the criticism from whatever end stops, and trying to teach these children can begin, we need no more bickering and excuses from the unions whatsoever, GET OUR CHILDREN EDUCATED.
"back to normality'
=Really??????
"didn't want to be alive any more" ???
"how dark" is the UK regime ?
=Really??????
"didn't want to be alive any more" ???
"how dark" is the UK regime ?
Finally it looks like we are returning to some normality, largely thanks to the excellent scientists developing vaccines and rapid testing. Thankyou
So the vaccine has had little effect despite respected people including the BMJ asserting it has? How can you honestly believe that?
You genuinely stay locked down and out of everyone's way until forever if you want to but stop calling for me to be denied my freedoms for a second longer than the Government force me to.
You genuinely stay locked down and out of everyone's way until forever if you want to but stop calling for me to be denied my freedoms for a second longer than the Government force me to.
Vaccines are having some effect, but this will increase as more people get vaccinated. If you think of every measure as a form of protection, vaccines are at the top, with masks actually behind washing hands and keeping a safe distance.
Clearly a lockdown lover. Stay safe behind that sofa. The rest of us will get back to living. You may enjoy simply existing, the majority don't.
Removed
No it doesn't.
That is not what is being said by SAGE, and there are many countries with the same data, with a slower vax programme and many fewer rules.
Unfortunately the Covid tests for schoolchildren are voluntary
I know a couple of families that refuse to test their children as they are just desperate for them to get back to school
I know a couple of families that refuse to test their children as they are just desperate for them to get back to school
When this generation of school children are teachers themselves will they teach 2021 as a strange case of global hysteria brought on by Hollywood depictions, social media, medical laboratory technological developments and a fashion for authoritarian politics?
Nope. The'll probably teach about the highest death toll since the war.
And how not to have the most incompetent government during the national crisis.
And how not to have the most incompetent government during the national crisis.
Yes I wonder about that, the way we have now revised WW1 as the atrocity it was.
Or more likely a study of misinformation leading to willful spreading of the disease by people claiming it wasn't real, trying to minimise the impact on their lives regardless of societal cost.
It doesn’t really matter if we have 100,000 cases a day if hospitalization and death read 0. Got to open something at some point and kids now seems a sensible option to me.
Thing is - the numbers are now nonsense...currently the rate of testing and false positive (lateral flow) is greater than than the underlying rate...hence the testing is pretty blunted and largely pointless...you cannot detect a few per 1000 if your testing has a greater rate of measurement error..simple maths most dont want to hear...
It does. 100,000 cases a day can mean c10,000 people per day with some form of long Covid. Long Covid is more serious than most people realise. It can seriously ruin lives and increases frequency of health issues (for as long as 9 months, anyway) that do kill.
It also increases odds of a successful mutation that then starts the death all over again.
It also increases odds of a successful mutation that then starts the death all over again.
Yes it does. Because high levels of infection drive the mutation and evolution of new variants that can evade coverage by the current vaccines. Your proposal is recipe for disaster and a fourth spike and lockdown. Get the the infection rates to virtually nil and we are on to a winner, but you wont have unfettered access to international travel till the rest of the world catches up.
It doesn't matter to you, but some of us have underlying health issues. Even if we don't even up in hospital we could still end up with chronic problems.
Not sure we will ever get to 0 - if we got to a number similar to how many die of Flu each year then that should be OK (shouldn't it?).
Sure it could be life changing for some - but then again so are so many other things that happen (like car crashes) and we just get on with it. We dont stop people driving.
When the risks are acceptable - then we should get back to normal.
Sure it could be life changing for some - but then again so are so many other things that happen (like car crashes) and we just get on with it. We dont stop people driving.
When the risks are acceptable - then we should get back to normal.
I don't think we want to have long covid though
true enough, but statistically that won't happen, and you would also make it hard for people from the UK to be accepted abroad.
Nail. Head.
We've come too far to throw away the progress now. The virus has a chance of mutating in every host it finds. The more hosts the greater the chance.
However I'm fearful of an unvaccinatable variant putting us back into square one.
So let's hope people just hold on a little longer and we can see the back of restrictions for good.
We've come too far to throw away the progress now. The virus has a chance of mutating in every host it finds. The more hosts the greater the chance.
However I'm fearful of an unvaccinatable variant putting us back into square one.
So let's hope people just hold on a little longer and we can see the back of restrictions for good.
Why do "we2 need to take any precautions against a bug with an average age of death of 82.4? Why does the entire country need to grind to a halt, for that? Why do cancer patients need to die and children kill themselves, for that?
Mutations don’t occur randomly across the population. They are mainly associated with chronic infections in humans (eg cancer patients with compromised immune systems) and from animal-human jumps. Rather than reducing total infections a better strategy is to focus on protecting vulnerable people and having good animal welfare practices. Regulating borders will also be necessary for the time being.
At last it looks like we are slowly returning to some form of normality. My four-year old grandson returned to school this morning and his excitement was palpable. Children crave and need social interaction and an environment where they can express themselves. Thanks to our brilliant scientists/medical community developing and deploying the vaccine we can unlock our future bit by bit.
Wrong. This has NOTHING to do with vaccine. This is the result of a long lockdown. The infection data from this lockdown mirrors very closely the data from the previous lockdown in Sping 2020 when we had no vaccine. The vaccine has had little effect on either infection or death-rate thus far once the lockdown moderation effect has been taken onto account. People need to get a grip.
Very little in the article re returning to school inevitably fuelling an increase in infection rates. Kids from different families all together in learning 'bubbles', going home to mix with siblings who attend different schools, plus their parent(s)... Most of the people we know who have had Covid have caught it via their kids at school. Teachers as a group not yet vaccinated. What could go wrong?
Walked to school this morning and trod in dog poo. Yep, normality is getting closer.
Looking at your phone were you? Ha!
The UK has certainly achieved world leading levels of litter, fly tipping and dog s**t on our streets if little else.
Dog poo on your shoe? Luxury! When I were a lad......
Every time my kid steps in dog poo I buy a really loud firework
(I don’t, obviously. However it makes the point about dog owners who bang on about their pets needs when some of them think it’s fine to leave it there)
(I don’t, obviously. However it makes the point about dog owners who bang on about their pets needs when some of them think it’s fine to leave it there)
To be expected as most kids today are buried in their i phones and have no idea what is going on either below their feet above their heads or to the sides.
But the really interesting bit is did it have a mask on???
Today is 3 weeks after completing priority groups 1-4 with their first vaccine dose (hence this reopening date), and are now making strong inroads into groups 5-9.
Should infections go up again as a result of schools returning, the vaccine rollout (on top of drug treatments) will ensure this isn’t a serious concern. We need to start standing up to our enemies, not hiding in fear of them.
Should infections go up again as a result of schools returning, the vaccine rollout (on top of drug treatments) will ensure this isn’t a serious concern. We need to start standing up to our enemies, not hiding in fear of them.
You just stay hidden away then - pretty sure you won’t be missed !
Schools back. Here comes the next spike followed by another lockdown.
how long until they issue the first fines for parents that allow their kids to miss some school time. We need the money so they could fine for each class missed.
How many first steps to normality have we had already?
Johnson had the tide turning and the virus wrestled to the ground last June according to him
Johnson had the tide turning and the virus wrestled to the ground last June according to him
Maybe you should have lent him your Global Pandemic Handbook ?
Is that any different from in any other country. All have thought they had got Covid under control on numerous occasions, they have open up their economies and then had to introduce numerous lockdowns. Do you think if he had said last March we would be in a lockdown a year later we would have believed him
It's pretty much standard practice in other countries for decades to have summer camps, I don't mean a jolly I mean things like Judo or other forms of PE and Saturday morning classes. It is why they are so far "ahead of the curve" and have less problems with obesity.
Very few people seem capable of getting their heads around that very logical concept.