Cases have significantly risen again since the first national lockdown in march, which has once again forced the UK to undergo a second lockdown however this time things are different.
England has begun their second lockdown on Thursday 5th of November and the plan is for it to last until 2nd December. The aim of this national lockdown, as stated by prime minister Boris Johnson is to ensure that by Christmas “families across the country can be together” if ‘tough actions’ are taken now.
The biggest controversy this new lockdown, has been towards schools/colleges/universities remaining open. The government has stated that returning to school is vital for children’s education and well being
“low academic achievement also translates into long term economic costs due to having less qualified workforce”
Scientists have warned covid-19 is spreading fast in secondary schools, with more and more students isolating every day. The national education union has called for schools and colleges to close, stating how restrictions will be ineffective if students are still attending school.
Labour leader, Keir stammer argued that schools must remain open “the harm that children are being called by not being in school is huge” but they must “manage the risk”
There are ongoing petitions with one particular petition with over 400,000 signatures asking the government to reclose schools and colleges in order ‘to protect teachers and pupils and their families’
The government are yet to respond.
What do you think? Should schools remain open or close?
