Government confident of having children back in school by March 8th

Lockdown easing is coming

The government are aiming to get all children back in school in a "responsible way" on March 8th, Dominic Raab has said. Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sky News, the foreign secretary said: "On March 8 we’re aiming to get schools back. The precise details – we need to make sure we set out once we’ve evaluated all of that evidence. ‘But the aim is to get schools reopening in a responsible way on the 8th." Asked whether these measures would apply to all students universally, or whether some year groups would be prioritised, Raab said: "I think we need to wait to evaluate the data carefully and allow those plans to be put in place." "Then the PM on Monday week will be able to set out the full detail," he added. https://twitter.com/RidgeOnSunday/status/1360874324585025538 Raab reiterated that "because we’re making progress, I think we’ll feel confident that we will be able to start that process of getting schools open on the 8th." "And of course, there will be other measures that the prime minister will want to set out, but it will be based on the evidence and the success we’ve had in terms of rolling out the vaccine and the impact that has had, not just in terms of reducing the number of cases but also reducing the pressure on the NHS." Raab also said he was confident the government would meet its target to vaccinate 15 million people among the four most vulnerable groups by tomorrow. https://twitter.com/RidgeOnSunday/status/1360871263015682048?s=20 While great progress is being made regarding the vaccine roll-out, it should be remembered that at the moment, everyone who has been 'vaccinated', has received the first of two doses.