Clinically vulnerable children and adults were advised to either shield or stringently social distance and work from home by the Government back in March 2020 due to their higher risk of suffering from more serious symptoms or even hospitalisation and potentially death due to Covid19.

Nothing has changed with regard to the virus and yet the Government is forcing, without option, these clinically vulnerable children and adults back into the classroom come September with no scientific proof that their risk is any lower in September than it was March to August!

Understandably concerned parents are being threatened with fines if they don't send their children back and clinically vulnerable staff are expected to choose between the risk to their health and a pay packet!

There are likely to be hundreds of children and staff around the country who are vulnerable to Covid19. They would be protected if the The Government were to sensibly advise, for the safety of all, a continuing online learning programme from home for those who "choose" to teach/support and learn by this sensible option until it is fully safe for all groups to return to the classroom.

If clinically vulnerable children or adults were deemed at risk by the Government between March and August they should certainly STILL be deemed at risk and protected from September until they can 100% safely return.