Term delay better than full lockdown

IT WAS never credible to believe that the beginning of 2021 would mark a sudden change in our lockdown prospects.

Covid vaccines are here and being rolled out in their millions but the coronavirus has opened up its own new front with a highly transmissible variant that has seen infection figures go off the scale again.

As a result, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will today announce new and tougher measures to try to halt the spread.

A further delay to the full-time beginning of school term, already postponed until January 18, is being considered.

The children of key workers and vulnerable pupils will be taught from this week and online teaching starts for the majority of pupils the following week.

But many other parents now face the prospect of having to juggle work, home-schooling and caring for at least an extra week and possibly more.

In the fast-moving crisis, we find ourselves in decisive, clear and achievable action is what is needed.

Parents will accept longer home schooling if they know it will come to an end.

Teachers, who should be in the front of the queue for vaccines, will return to work if they can guarantee safety.

The teachers, more than anyone, want classes to start. They know every week lost is a lost opportunity for many underprivileged children for whom school is lifeline.

But they can’t be exposed to risk simply because parents need care for their children.

Nobody wants a return to full lockdown – and if halting the return to school for a few weeks more is what it takes, it is a price worth paying.