Are schools ready for an Omicron 'tidal wave'?

With fears over the new variant growing, we look at the current situation in schools

By Natalie Bloomer

When schools returned from the summer break in September, scientists from around the world wrote to the then education secretary Gavin Williamson to warn that the government’s plans for getting pupils back in the classroom were “reckless” and would “lead to soaring cases” of Covid. 

The letter went on to urge Williamson to implement a nine-point plan which included the need for urgent investment in ventilation in schools and CO2 monitoring of indoor spaces, a return to bubbles and mask wearing in classrooms in secondary schools. The letter said:

“Like you, and in agreement with the WHO, we recognise the importance of schools staying open over the autumn and in the longer term. However, as the WHO also notes, schools must be made safe by adopting measures to minimise transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“...Sage has warned that school return will likely lead to significant increases in cases in school-age groups. This will coincide with increased pressure on the NHS ove…