Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Salford seem to be slowing as they have now reached 392, up by 13 from the previous day. Rises in the teens, rather than twenties or thirties, have now been consistent for almost a week.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester this isn't always the case as Manchester now has 788 cases, up by 44 on the previous day. Cases in Stockport now number 579 (up by 10), Bolton 482 (up by 35), Trafford 424 (up by 12), Oldham 395 (up by 17), Wigan 375 (up by 21), Tameside 338 (up by 18), Rochdale 291 (up by 13) and Bury 272 (up by 10).
Meanwhile, Salford Royal Hospital has announced the sad deaths of four more patients.
With three more weeks of lockdown, speculation is mounting that schools could re-open after the next review but teachers union, the National Education Union, or NEU, has launched a petition, already signed by tens of thousands of people, calling for the Government only to 'Open schools when it is safe...'
"Loose talk costs lives, and unfortunately there has been far too much unhelpful speculation about when schools might fully re-open" says NEU joint general secretary, Dr Mary Bousted "The persistent press coverage deeply concerns our members, who would be at immediate risk if Government was too hasty in relaxing lockdown measures.
"Following our letter to the Prime Minister on the need to see the evidence on which he will base that decision, and the importance of keeping everyone in the school environment safe, we launched a petition to that effect" she adds "I am pleased that so many have supported it and the number continues to grow.*
"As yet there is no clarity as to how social distancing would or even could be implemented in schools, particularly for younger age groups" she explains "Even though the majority of children are considered low risk, their teachers and families are not. The fear is that asymptomatic children will put adult staff in danger, so it is essential that we see a programme of testing, PPE and contact tracing throughout the education sector before schools are fully re-opened.
"Hope must not get the better of reason" she concludes "Lives matter, and that is why we fully support the Government being led by the science but only when they are open with the public and take the profession with them in their decision making."
To read the full text of the NEU petition and to sign it click here
To read about the NEU's letter to the Prime Minister see previous Salford Star article click here
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