Home » Blog » Covid Rules for Schools set to Change

Covid Rules for Schools set to Change

England will find out later the government’s new plans to relax Covid rules for schools. They hope to reduce the large numbers of pupils sent home to isolate if a single child tests positive for the virus.

Covid rules for schools - Classroom teacher

The current “bubble” system resulted in sending over 375,000 children home last week. This means thousands of pupils missing days of lessons, and lots of frustrated parents trying to juggle work and childcare.

The announcement is part of the government’s series of changes planned to come on 19 July. Other rule changes include removing legal laws on wearing face masks, social distancing, and self isolation for fully vaccinated people. In addition, they plan to reopen nightclubs, end limits on how many can attend events, and no longer advise people to work from home. A review of the latest data will take place on 12 July. This is when the government will confirm if lifting of restrictions will go ahead.

However, some scientists believe we should not change rules on masks yet. This is because cases of Covid are still rising, as the infectious Delta variant continues its rapid spread.

A different approach to Covid

The UK is about to enter “uncharted territory” by lifting legal restrictions that aim to control the spread of coronavirus. But the decision is because of “other health problems” faced by millions of people. When the measures are all removed, the government plan to approach things differently. They propose a “more proportionate system of test, trace and isolate”, particularly when it comes to those who have received both doses of vaccine.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will outline the upcoming changes for Covid rules at schools. The government plan to reduce the impact of Covid outbreaks by moving away from sending “bubbles” home to self-isolate. The way forward is to perform tests rather than send children home. The move comes amid widespread concerns of the huge numbers of children unnecessarily missing school.

Last month, four times as many pupils were sent home from school for Covid related reasons. But only around 4% had confirmed cases, while most of the others went home because of potential contact. The changes are expected to come into effect on 19 July, along with the lifting of other Covid restrictions.

If not now, when?

The vaccine rollout has proven to weaken the link between infections and deaths. In response to those that question if the time is right to lift restrictions, the PM says it is “now or never”. If we don’t do it now, then when will we? If we wait, then we risk lifting restrictions at a more difficult time during the winter months, or have to wait until next year.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says the government’s plan is “reckless”, and urges a more “balanced approach” for protection measures to remain. He suggests mask wearing should stay compulsory in certain situations, like enclosed spaces and public transport.

Businesses can make their own rules on mandatory face coverings if they wish, but it is not likely many will do so, as it is difficult to enforce without government requirements.

A representative body for public transport workers calls it “an act of gross negligence by the government” to end rules on wearing face coverings on public transport.

Some experts also believe that lifting restrictions now will only result in “setting ourselves up for a bigger problem in the autumn”. They think it is better to wait until at least all of the adult population are fully vaccinated before easing restrictions.

Thank you for reading Covid Rules for Schools set to Change


Garden Sheds - Dunster House Taarmo Shed

Looking for a storage solution for your garden furniture, tools and belongings? Look no further – Garden Sheds at affordable prices.