Hospitals and schools feeling pressures of Covid 19 staff absences due to Omicron variant

The transcript discusses the challenges faced by schools and the NHS due to COVID-19. Schools are experiencing significant teacher absences, leading to combined classes and reliance on temporary staff. The lack of government support is a concern for unions and school leaders. Meanwhile, the NHS is under severe strain, with military personnel being deployed to assist with staff shortages amid the Omicron wave.

What is one of the main challenges faced by head teachers like Elroy Cahill due to COVID-19?

• Overcrowded school facilities

• Lack of classroom resources

• Teacher absences leading to combined classes

• Increased student enrollment

What percentage of schools in England were missing more than 10% of their teaching staff on the first day of term?

• More than 1/4

• More than 1/2

• More than 1/3

• More than 1/5

What is one of the solutions proposed by unions to address the shortage of teaching staff?

• Reducing school hours

• Increasing class sizes

• Hiring more permanent staff

• Closing schools temporarily

How many NHS trusts have declared critical incidents due to COVID-19 pressures?

• More than 10

• More than 25

• More than 15

• More than 20

What role is the military playing in response to the NHS staff shortages?

• Transporting medical supplies

• Providing medical training

• Deploying personnel to cover shortages

• Building temporary hospitals