Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that schools will remain open for the full three weeks despite fresh Covid restrictions coming into force in 11 council areas from 6pm on Friday until December 11. The new level four measures require non-essential shops to close and ban non-essential travel within these hotspot zones, which are mainly located across west Scotland.
The NASUWT teaching union criticised the decision, calling for a blended learning model where pupils alternate between home and school to reduce risk. Jane, NASUWT’s Scotland official, said: “Pupils who are extremely clinically vulnerable shouldn’t attend school. But adults in level four areas who are clinically extremely vulnerable aren’t automatically exempt from work. Given the risks, vulnerable teachers should be advised to work from home.”
She also expressed serious concerns for pregnant teachers, those with health conditions or disabilities, and BAME staff. “Ministers must introduce stronger protections for all at-risk staff,” she warned.
The Educational Institute of Scotland’s general secretary Larry Flanagan supported the call, stating that keeping schools fully open is “at odds with effective virus suppression” and could increase wider community transmission.
In other news, new court documents in the US have revealed that a Spanish businessman, Gabriel Gonzalez Andersson, earned £21 million in taxpayer money by supplying NHS gloves and gowns during the first wave of the pandemic. Andersson secured lucrative contracts through a jewellery designer turned PPE supplier, raising fresh concerns about Covid procurement profits.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested negative for Covid after being exposed to an infected Conservative MP last Thursday. Johnson, along with six Tory MPs and two aides, is isolating for two weeks following a breakfast meeting. He chaired a virtual Cabinet session and will participate in Prime Minister’s Questions from home for the first time.
New travel rules have been introduced to protect Christmas poultry supplies. Seasonal workers arriving in England can now begin work on poultry farms immediately, although they must quarantine away from the public for 14 days. They are allowed to work within closed “cohorts” and must leave by December 31. Industry leaders warn that at least 1,000 EU workers are essential to meet demand.
Originally published by UKNIP.
