There won't be any further tightening of restrictions and schools stand a chance of going back mid Feb

[Number37]

Just that really - I think there's a chance with the case numbers dropping that there won't be further restrictions imposed and there's quite possibly a chance of schools returning on some basis mid Feb.

Trying to think positive today!

Bump

I need to believe this!!!

Even if I get to mid Feb and it doesn’t happen, honestly without this hope I don’t think I’ll actually get to mid Feb and still be sane 🤣😭

Let’s hope they keep falling. I am mentally preparing myself for them going back after Easter but the sooner the better. I had a horrible feeling the other day they wouldn’t be back til September but I actually nearly had a panic attack so I can’t even contemplate that. Fingers crossed for Feb/March

I think after Easter more likely and can just about COPD with that

*cope

Numbers aren't dropping in the North West....

Dear god, I hope so

Thats an unfortunate typo!

I think an element of parental choice is important so that families can balance their needs- and the risk.

I so hope you are right and I too am holding on to this hope!

...or the South West, or the Midlands. The rate of growth is slowing.

I'm with you OP, got my fingers crossed for this too 🤞

Source?
No didn't think so ...

🙄🤐

I can’t understand why they can’t at least try partial reopening of schools after Feb - getting some kids in even 1 or 2 days a week would make a huge difference rather than everyone in full time. I’d happily compromise at a week on, a week off if needed splitting year groups to limit numbers

I think that there is a chance that some pupils will see a return from February 22nd. Possibly exam years and a few other groups.

I don’t think all pupils will be thrown back into school together, because now they know what happens and within a few weeks cases will be rising quickly again. It wouldn’t be worth the pain now, to do something so daft. I think the disruption to learning will continue in some form for quite a while, at least Easter.

@pinkunicornwithacatonitsback they already have more than 50% of the kids in a lot of schools. Some round here are nearer to 70%

Hopefully a phased return after half term should be possible. The vaccine roll out is steadily picking up pace so that will help reduce the pressure on the NHS.

@30not13

Source? No didn't think so ...

🙄🤐

This.

I’m clinging to the fact that the schools will open before anything else.

So economic recovery can’t even begin to happen until then. The government will open them as soon as they can. Even if it’s a bit staggered/part time.

You don't need a source if you open your post with "I think..."

God, some people

I don't understand why so many posters talk about half term or Easter. They need to go back as soon as possible, if that means it's a random Wednesday in March then so be it. This shouldn't be dictated by term dates but data.

It's terrifying to think how long it could be before we can see friends and family again given schools will go back first.

I am hoping that there may be some phased return too. Such as younger primary first .
However there is an article on the guardian tonight saying that the government's plan to mass test kids in schools is now in doubt - that could affect any plan

@Delatron

I’m clinging to the fact that the schools will open before anything else.

So economic recovery can’t even begin to happen until then. The government will open them as soon as they can. Even if it’s a bit staggered/part time.

I cling to this too. Not just economic recovery but the fact everything is tied to schools now. Everyone has an interest in children going back because it's the catalyst for other relaxations of restrictions.

I think that whilst some years might return to school at some point in March, it won’t be until after Easter that the majority or all years will be back. The vaccine will make a big difference combined with this lockdown but realistically I think we are probably looking to May for things to be much improved, although I think social distancing and masks are here for at least another year.

The Brazilian strain is a worry.

@30not13

Source? No didn't think so ...

🙄🤐

I was just chatting - didn’t think I needed to give a scientific explanation for idle wondering?? Have a biscuit sweetheart