The schools here were meant to be opening for teachers on Tuesday or Wednesday (public holiday here today) and then for key workers' and vulnerable children later on, with everyone else on distance learning until the 18th at the earliest. I'm glad they've decided to close the schools until February at the earliest, although presumably our family members who are teachers will still be going in this week to plan for online learning and to help with the children who will be there.
It has been very difficult to deal with whole classes and I can see blended learning being the only way to keep the virus under control when the schools do eventually go back.
I'm also glad from the point of view of our DGC, particularly if the new variant is affecting more children and young people. Before I am attacked, let me say that I am aware that ours are fortunate to have parental support and that not all children do.