BBC News
By Judith Burns
image copyrightGetty Images
image captionBeing at home during the pandemic has left some children more vulnerable to neglect and abuse, says the NSPCC
Children s charity the NSPCC says calls and messages to its helpline have risen to record levels during the pandemic.
In the year to March 2021 the helpline was contacted almost 85,000 times, up 23% on the previous year.
The figures amplify fears that children who could not go to school during the lockdowns were more vulnerable to abuse and neglect, says the NSPCC.
Chief executive Sir Peter Wanless says government recovery plans must address the harm children may have faced.
Public Health England (PHE) Senior Medical Adviser Dr. Susan Hopkins explained that wearing three layers helps reduce virus transmission. “The more layers you have, the better,” she said during a government briefing on Monday, March 1.
The U.K. government mandated that masks and other face coverings be worn on public transportation back in July 2020. This was extended to include physical shops the next month. Government guidance said masks should ideally be at least two layers of fabric, with more than that number recommended.
Hopkins’ remarks followed that of American infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, who recommended wearing multiple masks for more protection. The director of the U.S.
BBC News
By Jeanette Long
image copyrightPress Association
It would be reckless to bring back all pupils in England to school together on 8 March, says a joint statement by teachers unions.
Rather than risk another spike in infections, they are calling for a more cautious and phased return.
Nine teachers and head teachers unions have urged the government to commit to that date only if scientific evidence is clear that it is safe.
The prime minister will announce the plan for reopening schools on Monday.
The collective statement from education unions says they are committed to bringing children back into the classroom as soon as possible - but have concerns it may lead to another surge in the virus.
The reality of food hampers in Wales as English mum posts picture of £30 package containing just £5 of food
Hampers in some areas of Wales have been praised after a mum in England shared a photo of a food parcel which she estimated cost £5.22 as opposed to the £30 she is entitled to
13:22, 12 JAN 2021
Updated
The hamper received in Caerphilly for a family of three for a week (left) and the hamper received by a mum in England for one child for a week (right)
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