PARENTS were left confused over the school shutdown today as families were "told BOTH parents must be key workers"
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson yesterday announced kids who could still get lessons from next week would include all people working in schools and the NHS.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
The plans have already unravelled with parents who are helping to keep Britain running being rejected from the emergency coronavirus scheme.
Despite claims it was open to everyone, schools are now using social media to warn parents both must be key workers to be eligible.
Otherwise, one is expected to stay at home and look after them.
It comes after Boris Johnson announced schools would shut their gates on Friday evening and likely not open up for months to come – possibly September.
Certain will be allowed to send their kids in so they can carry on going to work.
The list will include everyone working in the NHS in any way – and will likely include everyone from admin staff to cleaners.
The same rule will apply for schools, with teaching assistants set to be on the list too.
Delivery drivers who are taking vital supplies to the nation's shops will be included.
And anyone working in "critical infrastructure" like gas, electricity and other networks including transport will probably be allowed to send kids to school too.
Environment Secretary George Eustice appeared to confirm this morning that all supermarket workers would be on the key list.
Meanwhile:
- The death toll from coronavirus has now reached 137 in the UK with confirmed cases up to 2,226.
- 20,000 troops are ready to join the fight against coronavirus
- London could face a lockdown within days with restrictions on movement and shop closures on the cards
- Last night 40 tube stations across the capital closed with no warning
The Department for Education said police would be key workers as well.
Mr Williamson told the BBC earlier: "It will include all those people working within the NHS.
"We talk about doctors and nurses but there are so many more people who make sure a hospital is able to run and function.
"All of those people will be included.
"There will also be the the need for those who work within schools, those who are providing the support in order for doctors and nurses, and those NHS staff to be able to get to those hospitals.
"More widely, we still need to have our critical infrastructure that continues to work and function.
"We need to to ensure we have delivery drivers delivering food and resources to our shops across the UK."
Last night Boris announced the dramatic closure of all the nation's schools as Britain desperately tries to contain the outbreak at the "right time".
The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson promised that free school meals will continue for everyone who needs it – likely in the form of supermarket vouchers.
Boris told the nation this evening that the spread was "slowing" as a result of the draconian measures he put in place this week.
The PM explained: "We believe the steps we have already taken, together with those I am announcing today, are already slowing the spread of the disease."
Exams will be cancelled too – but kids and teachers are confused as to how they will get their grades.
Mr Williamson said this morning children will still be able to go on to university or college from the autumn – even though they haven't sat their exams.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world – plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.
Mr Williamson said schools will be closed until further notice – but would be at least five weeks, taking us until April 27 at the earliest.
The closure comes just two weeks before the Easter break when they would have had a fortnight off.
But this break could last until the end of the school year and the summer's six-week break.
Source: Read Full Article