Is it really likely the schools will close?

[sqirrelfriends]

I've seen a few comments on other threads about schools and other childcare settings closing indefinitely to prevent the spread of Covid 19. Do you really think it's likely to happen?

All schools in the Republic of Ireland to close until 29 March. It wouldn’t make sense to keep schools open in Northern Ireland now. I don’t suppose the Coronavirus knows about the border.

I'm in Ireland and got a text from my kids schools earlier saying all schools, colleges and crèches to close from today until at least 29th March.
Boris needs to do something! I'm worried for my family in the U.K.

@kissmelittleass - how are the addressing the challenges you see on this thread e.g grandparents taking care of kids or financial impact on parents if they can't go to work. Also what specifically is Leo referring to when he talks about WHO guidance to government changing and him acting on the new guidance.

I'm in England and have just had a message from my son's nursery which sets out the guidelines from our local authority. There is apparently a department for education helpline set up to answer questions about Coronavirus. The message also states that no school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless directed to do so by Public Health England.

The message has been sent out in the last 10 minutes, but I'm not sure how recently it was communicated from the local authority to the nursery.

The outcome has not been released to the media yet. I've got sky news on. I have heard a couple of people quote that it's unlikely for schools to shut today so I half expect they won't do much today. I think Ireland has the right idea. It would be typical that we end up the country that do too little too late.

Nothing closing in Essex ( schools are business as usual)

My dads care home are in 'lockdown 'though but it's a precaution rather than anyone having the virus.

Yes I heard about that school's are off till 30th of march

I think if they don't announce closures today it's up to us to act for what we know is the right thing to do.
I doubt they'll be able to fine people for self isolation and if they do, well health is more important.

I don't know if I have a bad attitude. But I'm going to be annoyed if he doesnt follow what Norway, Italy China and Ireland are doing. The fact China has it under control more so now. I bet they will try muddle through until Easter. I still think they need to give people a choice as they could have family at risk. Over 100 new cases today in the UK just announced. 590! 2 more patients (10) have died.

Scotland is not shutting schools.
Nicola is speaking now.

England schools won't close today and I don't think they will tomorrow either.

We've just sent a letter out to parents from the Public Health in our city. It states there are now known cases in the area and that schools will follow advice from the Government and Public Health England. It has a link to a helpline and also reiterates the washing hands guidelines. I received the same letter from DD's school today too.

I don't think English schools will close either.

@undead

But what about families who aren't all young and healthy? Or those who have regular close contact with elderly grandparents? Or have disabilities and medical conditions?

What about the staff who also might not all be young and fully healthy? Who might have vulnerable family members or they themselves may have health implications?

It's about thinking of the wider community health wise.

Children are known to be super spreaders when it comes to all manner of viruses as it is, this is no different. Though they may not get as bad a symptoms they can still get it and they can still spread it to others.

Nicola is speaking now.

I cant find this. Are you sure it's not a rerun of her interview this morning?

It’s looking likely we will close. Not sure when though.

Closing schools only works if you force everyone to stay at home as well.

Otherwise you’ve got millions of children running around playgrounds, soft-plays, supermarkets and public transport.

Which is worse than keeping them contained at school.

For gods sake HOW MANY TIMES have we had to go over this again and again and again!?

Pretty sure ideas is just hanging around to wind people up. Same poster was aiming they were still going to Italy and not worried, the day all italy was shut down

Ideas? Undead that should say

Schools staying open.. for now anyway

Bring the army in to manage childcare in schools, let parents who don't need childcare keep their family healthy.
Teachers shouldn't have to risk their own lives.

This can be right. Wash you hands every 20 seconds?

Does it mean for 20 seconds?

How you find any on that offensive is an absolute head scratcher.
That in itself is not offensive but saying that the summer holidays are not survivable is offensive bollocks.

Boris has said schools staying open.