Checks on pupils ... all the key info
Get it to protect residents, staff told
Will schools cope?
The Department for Education says 97% of schools have had rapid testing sites ready since January. Some 3.4m tests have been done in schools and colleges but this will have to ramp up. School leaders warn they may not be able to get all pupils back in week one.
Can volunteers help?
Many heads have asked parents to supervise the tests. But plans to potentially bring in the Army seem to have been dropped.
BY MARTIN BAGOT Health Editor and RHIAN LUBIN ONE in three care home staff still have not had a Covid-19 jab, vaccination leaders warned yesterday, potentially putting the lives of vulnerable residents at risk.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation admitted Britain “has a problem” with low uptake among social care workers.
MPs on the Science and Technology Committee were also told one in 10 NHS doctors had not taken up the offer of a jab.
It comes as the JCVI announced GPs should invite all people with learning disabilities for a first dose after a campaign by DJ Jo Wiley.
Her sister Frances, who has learning difficulties and diabetes, has been hospitalised with Covid.
Prof Jonathan Van-Tam said health and care workers had a “professional responsibility” to get inoculated.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said they must “take steps” to prevent infecting residents. He added: “That’s been a very clear position on
PLEA Prof Van-Tam hepatitis B vaccine for decades. So that’s the standard everybody ought to adhere to.
“Would you prefer a healthcare worker to attend your relative if they have been vaccinated, or not mind either way?”
Diane Mayhew, of campaign group Rights for Residents, said
she was “incredulous” many staff had not even had one dose while some residents were being denied face-to-face visits until they have a second.
Prof Anthony Harnden, JCVI deputy chairman, told MPs uptake was as low as 66% among care home staff, adding: “We have a problem with coverage. I don’t know where we’re going with this. It wouldn’t
ONLY 100 people arriving into Britain every day are being sent to Covid-19 quarantine hotels. Border Force chief Paul Lincoln said of the 15,000 daily arrivals “only 100 or so” go to the hotels. Mr Lincoln told the Commons Home Affairs Committee yesterday there are 1,100 people paying £1,750 to stay 11 nights in the hotels. Home Secretary Priti Patel warned it was still “far too early” for Brits to plan holidays abroad.