Shoppers Flock as Lockdown Looms
Queues stretched outside shops on the final day before England’s new national lockdown kicked in. Many rushed to grab last-minute essentials before midnight. Meanwhile, the government urged the extremely vulnerable to avoid working outside their homes during the shutdown.
Secondary Schools Tighten Mask Rules
In a fresh coronavirus clampdown, all secondary school pupils and teachers in England must now wear face masks in communal areas. The new rule applies from Year 7 upwards, but only in spaces where social distancing isn’t possible, such as corridors and foyers—not inside classrooms.
The government issued this guidance just hours before lockdown began, giving schools until Monday to implement the policy.
Primary Pupils and Special Needs Exempt
- Primary school children won’t have to wear masks.
- Older children with special educational needs or disabilities are also exempt.
- Primary schools decide mask rules for staff and visitors in communal areas.
Previously, masks were compulsory for secondary pupils in Tier 2 and 3 areas; now the national rules replace these local measures.
Critics Slam New Care Home Rules
The government demands care homes create Covid-secure spaces—such as floor-to-ceiling screens or visiting pods—to allow family visits during lockdown.
“Prison-style screens are frankly ridiculous when considering someone with advanced dementia who might be bed-bound and struggling to speak,” said Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society chief executive.
Schools Furious Over Last-Minute Mask Order
Head teachers slammed the government after being forced to adopt new mask rules with less than 24 hours’ notice before the lockdown. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson insists protecting pupils and staff is vital, saying:
“We must put the interests of our children and young people first, especially when the benefits of being in the classroom are clear.”
In Scotland, secondary pupils have already been wearing masks during breaks and in communal zones.
