Armed forces to support mass testing as UK pupils return to schools in January
More than 1,500 members of the military will be drafted in to provide support with mass testing at secondary schools and colleges when pupils return next month.
More than 1,500 members of the military will be drafted in to provide support with mass testing at secondary schools and colleges when pupils return next month.
Teaching unions have expressed concern that schools are not sufficiently prepared to observe mass testing.
However, the Ministry of Defence has now revealed that local response teams will be set up to give education facilities support and guidance.
Military personnel have been assigned to pop-up test centres in Liverpool since the start of the mass testing pilot in November – in which any person living or working in the region could book a test even if they did not have symptoms.
The scheme has used lateral flow tests – which provide fast results without the need for lab analysis. These tests will also be used in schools when pupils return in the New Year.
ADVERTISEMENT
In most instances, students will take the swab test themselves under supervision.
Michael Gove confirms only primary school children, children of key workers and secondary school children in years 11 and 13 will go back to school on the 4th January.
Other children will be taught remotely for at least the first week.
The current plan is for a staggered return to England’s schools from January 4.
ADVERTISEMENT
Primary school pupils are currently all set to return on the first day of term.
Secondary school pupils in exam years (Year 11 and Year 13) will also head back on time, while other students will begin the new term learning online.
A full return to the classroom is being currently planned for January 11.
ADVERTISEMENT
Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove has warned that the government would have to keep the plan “under review” moving forwards.
Talking to Sky News, Gove stated: “…teachers and headteachers have been working incredibly hard over the Christmas period, since schools broke up, in order to prepare for a new testing regime – community testing in order to make sure that children and all of us are safer.
“So we do keep things under review but that is the plan.”
News
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings
Daisy Jackson
The hunt is on to find a National Lottery player in Tameside who’s won £1m – and not claimed it.
The missing millionaire won the huge prize on a Lotto ticket bought on Wednesday 1 July, somewhere in the Borough of Tameside.
But with just two months to go until the prize expires, the player has still not come forward to claim their winnings.
The winning numbers in were 5, 8, 26, 33, 39, 42 and the Bonus Ball was 54.
Now, the National Lottery is renewing its search for the millionaire, calling for the mystery winner to cash in their prize before it expires at midnight on 28 December.
National Lottery Senior Winners’ Advisor Andy Carter has been out in Tameside ‘hunting’ for the missing millionaire, visiting everywhere from Portland Basin to Hartshead Pike.
Andy said: “I’ve searched high and low across Tameside for our missing millionaire, but I’ve had no luck.
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings. Credit: Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
“With just two months left to claim this £1 million prize, now is the time for anyone who bought a Lotto ticket in Tameside for the 1 July draw to have another look.
“The winning ticket could be tucked away somewhere completely ordinary, while its owner has absolutely no idea they are a millionaire.
“We’d love to find the person we’ve been looking for and turn this search into a celebration. So, if you bought a ticket in the area, dig it out, check those numbers and help us find Tameside’s missing millionaire. It could be you.”
With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email [email protected].
Featured image: Supplied – Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
The Manc -
29th December 2020 
