Covid-19: Government to announce end to school bubbles in England

School assemblies have had to be done in a bubble-safe way

The use of Covid bubbles in England's schools and colleges will end completely on 19 July, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said.

From 16 August, those under 18 will also no longer need to self-isolate after being a close contact with someone who has coronavirus.

Instead they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace as having been near to someone with coronavirus and will be advised to take a PCR test.

The final lifting of England's restrictions is expected on 19 July, but it will be confirmed on 12 July after a review.

The current rules have led to large numbers of pupils being sent home if a single child has a positive Covid test.

Figures released on Tuesday show 641,000 children out of school and self-isolating.

New plans

It will not be necessary to stagger start and finish times for schools and colleges - although they can continue doing this until the end of summer term if they wish to.

Testing in secondary schools will continue until the end of September - when it will be reviewed, and if there is a continued need for testing then it will carry on.

Mr Williamson added: "The most important thing is to ensure schools remain open and that pupils are in those schools."

The Health Secretary also said that there will be no restrictions on in-person teaching and learning in universities unless students are advised to isolate or are affected by local outbreaks

What do you think about the planned changes? Let us know in the comments.