Boris Johnson: Over 70s to be offered vaccine by February 15th
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs the Government would look at a “gradual and phased” relaxation of Covid lockdown measures from the February half term onwards. Death rates and hospitalisations will be taken into consideration, as well as the progress of the vaccination rollout and mutations of the virus. Addressing MPs in the Commons, the Prime Minister said: “The first sign of normality beginning to return should be pupils going back to their classrooms.
“I know how parents and teachers need as much certainty as possible, including two weeks’ notice of the return of face-to-face teaching.
“So I must inform the House that for the reasons I have outlined it will not be possible to reopen schools immediately after the February half term.”
Mr Johnson also confirmed no other sectors that are currently closed under the ongoing restrictions will be open until after March 8.
When asked about the easing of restrictions, the Prime Minister said the Government is “looking at the data as it comes in, looking at the rates of infection”.
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When is the February half term?
Half term usually lasts one week for students in mid-February following their completion of the second term of their school studies.
The February half term is likely to vary in terms of dates depending on the school and its own policy.
However, it’s widely expected to take place from Monday, February 15, until Friday, February 19, 2021.
If you want to double check your child’s school policy, you can use the Government’s postcode tool here.
The Government had initially hoped to send students back to school on Monday, February 22, but the March 8 provisional date suggests the plan has been scrapped.
Schools in Scotland will stay closed until at least mid-February after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon extended the lockdown.
Northern Ireland schools will also stay closed until at least the same time, and it’s still unknown whether or not these dates will be extended.
Wales hopes to send some primary school students, alongside those taking vocational courses, back to the classroom after the upcoming half term as long as cases continue to fall.
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Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said a “phased and flexible” return to school for some pupils was being arranged for February 22.
Mr Drakeford said the youngest children may be the first to go back as it’s difficult for them to learn remotely and they were the least likely to catch the virus and pass it on.
Calls are being made for education workers to receive the vaccine in Wales before the end of the February half term.
Teaching Union NASUWT’s national official Wales, Neil Bulter, said: “We understand why the Welsh Government wants to prioritise the return of the youngest children to the classroom.
“But given the difficulty in ensuring social distancing with these children, it is time for the Welsh Government to look at vaccinating those education workers who will be expected to work in these settings before the end of the February half term.”
NASUWT General Secretary, Dr Patrick Roach added: “Teachers and education staff are unable to practice social distancing form their pupils and few are provided with essential PPE as part of their day-to-day roles.
“With provision for younger age children and children with special and additional learning needs, it is clear there are additional risks present which are comparable to those that exist in the provision of health and social care.
“It is right that health and social care staff are prioritised, but the NASUWT also believes that teachers must also be identified as a priority group for the vaccine.”
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