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Urgent press release
National Education Union calls for schools and colleges to be closed during 4 week national lockdown
https://www.facebook.com/639638973/posts/10159637490738974/?d=n
National Education Union calls for schools and colleges to be closed during 4 week national lockdown
https://www.facebook.com/639638973/posts/10159637490738974/?d=n
“It is clear from ONS data that schools are an engine for virus transmission. It would be self-defeating  for the Government to impose a national lockdown, whilst ignoring the role of schools as a major contributor to the spread of the virus.
A lockdown excluding schools would impose pain on the whole community - but not be as effective as if schools were included. Ignoring the role of schools and colleges in the spread of the virus is likely to lead to the need for even longer lockdowns in future.
The latest figures from the ONS estimate 1% of primary pupils & 2% of secondary pupils have the virus and that these levels have increased dramatically since wider opening. Â ONS figures show virus levels are 9x higher in primary pupils and an astonishing 50x in secondary pupils.
NEU called for a 2 week circuit break at half term to include schools, which Wales and NI have done - but the Government in Westminster has ignored this call. Â More severe measures are now called for as a result, the Government should not make this mistake again.
The Government should include all schools in proposals for an immediate national lockdown and as a minimum be preparing for school rotas at the end of that period, including by actually meeting its promise to deliver broadband and equipment to those children who do not have them.
It is also vital that the Government ensure proper financial support for all those affected by lockdown including crucial supply teachers and other staff.”
The growth in cases amongst school age children is astonishing. These children may not suffer themselves - but they can be an engine for transmission to rest of population.
