Matt Hancock gives Commons Statement on Covid-19 Vaccine
After Pfizer announced initial results of a 90% effectiveness in preventing Covid-19 without adverse side effects the Health Secretary Matt Hancock updated the House of Commons on plans for the role out of the treatment after regulatory approval.
The UK has bought 40 million doses of the vaccine, alongside 300 million doses of other potential vaccinations. The initial date for NHS staff to start is December 1st but Hancock stressed that questions still remained about the effectiveness in reducing transmission of the disease and longevity of the protection.
Three Council areas in Scotland to be placed in Level 3
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has updated the country on its coronavirus levels with three Council areas to be moved into a higher tier after increased rates of infection. Level three restrictions in Scotland mean that pubs and restaurants can no longer serve alcohol and must close by 6pm.
The areas having tightened restrictions are Angus, Fife, and Perth and Kinross and all other areas will remain unchanged. The first minister said ‘I know this will be disappointing to residents and businesses in these areas. However, by acting now, we can hopefully prevent an even more serious deterioration in the situation’.
The restrictions for each council area are to be reviewed weekly.
Welsh Government Scraps Exams
The Welsh Government has announced the scrapping of GCSEs, AS-levels and A-levels due to take place in summer 2021 due to the ongoing effect of the Covid-19 pandemic. Welsh Education Minster Kirsty Williams said 'the well-being of learners and ensuring fairness across the system is central in our decision making process. [...] We remain optimistic that the public heath situation will improve, but the primary reason for my decision is down to fairness; the time learners will spend in schools and colleges will vary hugely and, in this situation, it is impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place.'
Grades will be awarded based on ‘classroom assessments’ and headteachers across the country will be working together for a national approach to provide a clear criteria and consistency for all pupils.
