Last-Minute Rush Before England’s New Lockdown
Queues snaked outside shops as shoppers scrambled for essentials in the final hours before England’s new lockdown kicked in at midnight. Panic buying was back as people rushed to stock up once again.
Vulnerable Told to Stay Home
The government has issued fresh advice urging extremely vulnerable people not to leave their homes or go to work during the lockdown. The message is clear: stay safe, stay inside.
Face Masks Now Mandatory in Secondary Schools
All secondary school pupils and staff in England must wear face coverings in communal areas outside classrooms. The new rules, announced on Wednesday, apply to students Year 7 and above. Schools have until Monday to implement the change.
- Primary school children are exempt.
- Students with special educational needs may also be excused.
- Primary schools can decide if staff or visitors wear masks in shared spaces.
These rules replace previous mask mandates under Tier 2 and Tier 3 local restrictions.
Mixed Reactions to Care Home Visit Rules
Care homes must create Covid-secure areas — such as floor-to-ceiling screens or visiting pods — so families can see loved ones during lockdown.
But Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, slammed the plans, calling “prison-style screens” and communication through phones “frankly ridiculous” for dementia patients who may be bed-bound or struggle to communicate.
Education Secretary Defends New Measures
“We must put the interests of our children and young people first,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. “Children are settled back into their routines and schools have protective measures in place to keep staff and pupils as safe as possible. Education is a national priority and we cannot allow it to be disrupted again.”
Heads Furious Over Last-Minute Guidance
School leaders hit out at the government for dumping new mask rules on them less than 24 hours before lockdown. Many say there’s simply not enough time to prepare.
