Read on Twitter
1. The government has been resisting the release of this data. This is not just a teacher issue. By keeping high contact, high risk environments open without adequate mitigation measures, the government has ensured higher community transmission. https://www.tes.com/news/exclusive-teacher-covid-rates-333-above-average
2. @SarahDRasmussen’s work on teacher risk, analysis from @DrZoeHyde and others, and warnings from other countries suggested it was folly to believe schools could be kept open without proper safety measures. https://twitter.com/sarahdrasmussen/status/1346200721398632449
3. One of the many cautionary tales from other countries.
People tried to warn us. Our government didn’t listen. https://twitter.com/segal_eran/status/1316468133964713991
People tried to warn us. Our government didn’t listen. https://twitter.com/segal_eran/status/1316468133964713991
4. Harvard School of Public Health published these guidelines in June. Other public health bodies followed with similar safety advice. The government ignored them all. https://twitter.com/adamhamdy/status/1345690847694655494
5. Anyone who’s studied the 1918 pandemic will not be surprised at this dishonesty and recklessness. Disappointed, but not surprised. The difference is we have stronger health and safety laws, and better communication.
6. Everyone who sought to minimise school risk & resisted calls for safety measures in schools was serving the interests of a government reluctant to make the necessary investment.
It’s no surprise the UK now has some of the worst infection & mortality rates in the world.
It’s no surprise the UK now has some of the worst infection & mortality rates in the world.
7. If members of the government have knowingly misrepresented the risk to teachers, they need to be held accountable. Not only have teachers been endangered, the community has been put at greater risk. There must be an independent investigation of this issue. https://twitter.com/educationgovuk/status/1323701607159099392
8. As we’re learning the hard way, a pandemic cannot be ignored. It cannot be tackled by PR messaging. Putting off decisions only worsens options & outcomes.
Pandemics require truth, rapid and decisive action, a willingness to make difficult choices and community engagement.
Pandemics require truth, rapid and decisive action, a willingness to make difficult choices and community engagement.
9. If Boris Johnson won’t resign (he should), he needs to sack Gavin Williamson. These are not issues that can be glossed over with a back room dressing down.
@educationgovuk needs new leadership urgently.
@educationgovuk needs new leadership urgently.
10. And the government needs to use the third national lockdown to reflect on the reality of the UK’s situation and prepare effective solutions. This is an excellent summary of where we are from @dgurdasani1 https://twitter.com/dgurdasani1/status/1346235631429685254
11. I believe the UK needs to change strategy. Use this lockdown for a purpose (if it’s even possible to get the R down with the new variant).
We’ve tried the government’s middle way for almost a year, and it’s failed. Let’s do something that works. https://twitter.com/adamhamdy/status/1346023712643022849
We’ve tried the government’s middle way for almost a year, and it’s failed. Let’s do something that works. https://twitter.com/adamhamdy/status/1346023712643022849
12. Adding this excellent thread from @dgurdasani1
The data existed for those who cared to look. Long-term followers will know this is an issue I and others, including @Dr2NisreenAlwan, have been warning about for months. https://twitter.com/dgurdasani1/status/1346362159446577154
The data existed for those who cared to look. Long-term followers will know this is an issue I and others, including @Dr2NisreenAlwan, have been warning about for months. https://twitter.com/dgurdasani1/status/1346362159446577154
13. Also want to acknowledge parents, teachers, and community advocates who have been campaigning on these issues for months @Parents_Utd @TigressEllie @HoppySaul @ChrisDo30828241 @ConcernedofBri1 @karamballes @PenderynDic @EdnaKrabapple1 @DmodosCutter
