For two weeks most pupils
transmissible.
Following Ms Williams announcement yesterday evening, Laura Doel, director of school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, said: “The decision to close schools to gain control of Coronavirus has been inevitable for some time. [This] announcement will bring some much-needed clarity to the situation.
“Besides parents and carers there is no one more committed to the education and welfare of children at school than school leaders and their teams. NAHT Cymru members want children back in school as soon as possible and the restricted attendance from tomorrow should be used to organise an orderly and sustainable return.
“The Welsh Government has repeatedly said it wants to prioritise education, in that case it must also prioritise safety in schools and the communities schools serve.
“Work should be undertaken with school leaders and Public Health Wales to establish and agree new Covid-related safety measures in schools during the temporary restriction for implementation in good time prior to lifting restrictions.
“There needs to focus on vaccinating staff so that further disruption to teaching and learning can be ruled out.
“Welsh Government must also urgently review its approach to special schools given the statement that states special schools should remain open if possible.
“This once again demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the complexities faced in special schools in keeping Covid restrictions in place.
“It is uncertain whether the next two weeks will be enough time to ensure a fully risk-assessed plan is put in place to facilitate the safe return with a properly organised and resourced testing regime and priority vaccinations for staff, but I know that NAHT Cymru members stand ready to work with the government for the good of all children. For its part the government should be prepared to work directly with leaders from every phase and sector of education.”
Meanwhile, in the Health Minister’s briefing, Mr Gething said services were under “intensive pressure” as the number of people in hospital with coronavirus symptoms keeps growing.
He explained that case rates were falling in most parts of Wales, apart from North Wales, where cases are rising quickly. But he said officials were cautious as the positivity rate remains high at 25%.
And he said the NHS was under huge pressure.
He added: “The NHS continues to be under intense pressure and it has experienced some very difficult days over the festive period.
“There are now almost 2,700 people with coronavirus symptoms being cared for in Welsh hospitals.
“There are 208 patients in critical care – more than half have coronavirus. This is very close to the peak we experienced during the first wave last year.
“Very sadly, we have seen an increase in the number of people dying after contracting coronavirus over the Christmas period.”
His comments came as the second coronavirus vaccine approved for use in the UK began to be rolled out in Wales.