'There is a fight on across our nation and here in the bay we must all do our bit to win it'
Torbay Council has praised schools and teaching staff after work started last night to accommodate the children of key workers and move to online teaching - while the area's MP has urged people to follow the latest lockdown rules.
Following last night’s announcement, Torbay MP Kevin Foster said: “I would love to be able to say as your MP there was an easy option, or we did not need to take some further steps now to deal with the situation before us as country.
“The vaccination programme offers a ray of sunlight and the promise of ultimate victory, with a further boost for it in our bay today, but for now there is a fight on across our nation and here in the bay we must all do our bit to win it.
“Whilst the dedication and hard work of our NHS and Social Care teams have helped our bay avoid the worst impacts of the pandemic so far, with our case rates one of the lowest nationally, it is all too predictable what would happen if this virus hit our bay hard.”
You can read his message to constituents here
Across Torbay school are now working to determine how many children of key workers they need to accommodate and the best way to do so.
A spokesperson for Torbay Council last night said: “Following the Prime Minister’s announcement this evening we have advised Primary schools across Torbay that they will need to move to remote learning immediately for pupils.
“Schools and academies will contact parents on Tuesday 5 January 2021 to outline the booking system for critical key worker and vulnerable children as required by the Department for Education.
“This provision will be implemented from Wednesday 6 January 2021 in order to allow schools time to plan for this provision. Some Primary schools have already determined eligibility. If you have been advised by your school that you can attend tomorrow then please take up your place.
“For secondary schools, the process of identifying eligible pupils has already begun and you can continue to work with your school to take up a place if eligible. All other children will be taught remotely.
“Special schools continue to be open and you will need to follow the advice of your school regarding attendance.
For more about the latest rules and advice from Torbay Council click here
For all the latest official lockdown rules and advice click here