Thursday 27 August 2020

Coronavirus diary, Thursday 27 August

 

It is back to school for pupils throughout Britain. An anxious time for parents. 

They are being urged to let them return after five lost months, with assurances from the governments that it is safe to do so.

Most will want their children to make up for the lost lessons but many are still worried. 

Teachers have worked during the holiday on measures to reduce the risk and their unions, while agreeing with the return, are still cautious.

It is an anxious time, too, for the governments.

A big question is the importance of face masks, with conflicting evidence and advice from health organisations and advisers around the world. 

As so often, debate has developed into criticism and confrontation, mainly in England.

Not surprisingly, the prime minister and his education secretary, Gavin Williamson are involved.  

A day after Mr Williamson confirmed that there was no need for masks, the PM again displayed his u turn skill, announcing that wearing masks in communal areas would be mandatory for older students in schools in temporary lockdown - several towns in the north of England.  

The fact that it followed the advice by Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, was another embarrassment.

Wales: masks not compulsory

In Wales it has been left to local authorities and head teachers to decide, leading to the accusation by some that it was 'passing the buck'.  

As always with coronavirus, nothing is certain.

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