School closures
The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that all schools in England will close from the end of Friday, except for the children of key workers and those with complex special educational needs.
The closures will impact a large number of businesses whose workers will no longer be able to work in order to provide childcare. The Prime Minister in his daily coronavirus briefing reaffirmed advice to work from home where possible, both for social distancing and to ensure businesses can continue operating. The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments have also closed schools.
No date has been given for schools to reopen, and the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said that it was likely schools in Scotland would remain closed until the summer holidays. It is assumed English schools will also remain closed until September.
Students will no longer sit GCSE and A Level exams, with grades given based on teacher assessments of performance throughout study, including mock exams, predicted grades, classwork and coursework. Students eligible for free school meals will receive meal vouchers to support families.
Cuts to public transport
Transport for Greater Manchester has released a statement saying it would reduce the frequency of public transport across the city-region.
Demand for public transport has fallen in recent days as increasing numbers work from home. While bus, tram and train timetables are controlled by their respective providers, TfGM expects them to move to weekend or bank holiday timetables to ensure the safety of their staff and ensure those who need services to travel to work or for food shopping are able to do so.
TfGM also reiterated statements made by transport companies that more stringent cleaning protocols for vehicles had been put in place across the network.
Those with rail season tickets who are now being advised to work from home are able to claim refunds through rail companies.
Call for businesses to help make NHS ventilators
The government is looking for businesses who can support in the supply of ventilators and ventilator components across the UK as part of their response to Covid-19. A website has been launched for businesses to register their details if they belief they can help in some way with manufacturing, available here.