[ad_1]
A London council has told all schools in its area to close as of Monday and switch to online learning following signs of “exponential growth” in coronavirus cases.
Cllr Danny Thorpe, leader of the Greenwich Council, said the Covid-19 situation in the area was “escalating extremely fast” and now demanded “immediate action”.
“We now have the highest infection rates in Greenwich than at any time since March, and for these reasons, I have asked all Greenwich schools to close their facilities as of Monday night and switch to online learning during the entire quarter, with the exception of key child workers and those with specific needs, ”Thorpe said in a statement.
The London borough has seen its continuous seven-day rate of new Covid-19 cases increase dramatically in recent days, with 248.3 cases per 100,000 people registered in the seven days to December 9 compared to 158 cases in the seven days to December 2.
However, its rate remains below the worst affected areas in London, with the Havering district registering an infection rate of 506.3 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to December 9.
The decision to close schools came after London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned residents that the capital could be heading for Level 3 restrictions in a few days due to rising infection rates.
Khan urged Londoners on Saturday to follow social distancing measures and wear face covers during Christmas shopping as crowds flocked to popular stores in major cities this weekend.
Earlier this week, health secretary Matt Hancock told students and teachers in parts of London, Kent and Essex to take a Covid test as part of a mass testing program for high schools.
“I urge all students, parents, and teachers in these areas to step up to testing, regardless of whether they have symptoms,” Hancock said.
“While Covid-19 may pose a lower risk to children and youth, it still poses a significant risk to their families and communities.”
Meanwhile, Welsh high schools and universities will move to online learning starting Monday as part of a ‘national effort to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus’.
Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams said on Thursday the decision followed the advice of the Welsh medical director that the public health situation in the country was “deteriorating”.
However, schools in England were warned that they could face legal action if they allow pupils to learn remotely in the run-up to Christmas.
Powers introduced through the Coronavirus Act allow the government to issue “instructions” to principals on the provision of education during the pandemic and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson could request a Superior Court injunction requiring schools to remain open.
Additional PA reports
