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BOSS TV: Episode 15 - Boris Johnson's Announcement - The Review



Yesterday, the UK government set out their long awaited roadmap out of this pandemic and we must say, it is looking positive for the UK and Buckswood Overseas Summer School in 2021.


In the twelve hours since the lockdown exit plans were announced last night, holiday companies EasyJet, Tui and Thomas Cook have all reported a surge in bookings and we must say, one or two of our eagle eyed partners and families have too completed their BOSS booking forms for this summer.


Boris Johnson revealed a cautious four step plan out of lockdown which at every stage will be led by data not dates and has pledged that spring and summer will be very different to today.


There is light ahead and there is no going back. As of today, over 17.7 million, and 1, people have been vaccinated in the UK and this has already put a strong shield against COVID around our population. The odds against this pandemic are now in our favour and we are on a one way road to freedom! If you look at the stats, the UK is racing ahead with the vaccination programme, we are the leaders in Europe by a long way and thanks to this, and the current lockdown restrictions, the numbers are falling dramatically. The number of cases in Rother for example, where BOSS is located is 32 per 100,000 and it is continuing to fall.


Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of this announcement. Boris and his team of medical advisors have set out a four step plan out of lockdown and hopefully, out of this pandemic. Each step will be separated by 5 weeks to allow time to judge the success of the easing at each stage and we will reach the end of the road out of lockdown by the 21st June when all restrictions, including social distancing, will be lifted and the UK’s economy will be fully reopened.


The four steps, and I am only going to focus on the ones that effect BOSS and our industry, are as follows:


Step One (part one) – Monday 8th March


With the risks posed by COVID being so much smaller to children than they are to adults, step one involves the reopening of all schools, colleges and after-school clubs.


School sports will also be allowed to resume which is great news for our youngsters who I’m sure, just like kids all over the world are just itching to be back with their friends and running around having fun.


Step One (part two) – Monday 29th March


Outdoor gatherings of up to six people, or two households will be allowed and outdoor sports facilities - such as tennis, golf courses, football pitches and basketball courts will also be allowed to reopen for people to take part in "formally organised" outdoor sports. This includes both children and adults.


Step Two – Monday 12th April


Non-essential shops can reopen as well as hairdressers and beauty salons.


Public buildings such as libraries and museums can reopen as well as most outdoor attractions.


Indoor leisure facilities including gyms and swimming pools will also reopen and so too will restaurants and pubs but to begin with, only with outdoor seating.


Us Brits can also enjoy a holiday from the 12th April but only within the UK as campsites and holiday lets such as Airbnb, etc. will reopen.


Step Three – Monday 17th May


For BOSS, this is the date that we have been waiting for. International travel may start again however this is subject to a review on the 12th April.


This means that we are now more confident than ever that we will be able to run our summer school this year.


We already have quite a lot of bookings and this morning we have received an influx of bookings so please do not delay booking your BOSS summer school.


We do not want a deposit right now, we do not want any money at all. Just a booking form which you can find on our website at www.buckswoodsummerschool.com.


Also from the 17th May gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed in parks, gardens and outdoor spaces, we will be allowed to go into other people’s houses, and we will be allowed to sit inside a restaurant or a pub!


Performances and sporting events will be allowed up to 1,000 people indoors and up to 4,000 people outdoors and in large stadiums such as Anfield, home to the greatest football team on this planet will be able to welcome up to either 10,000 people or 25% capacity which is 13,348.5 people at Anfield.


We can also hug people on the 17th May, as long as it is outdoors so form a queue.


Step Four – Monday 21st June


Can we call the 21st June our day of freedom? I hope so! The 21st June, at the earliest, is the day that we will see all legal limits on social contact removed and all remaining sectors of the UK economy will be reopened, effectively meaning our return to normality.


This is perfect timing for our summer school which will begin exactly a week later so with this in mind, I would like to add my very own 5th step…


Step Five – Sunday 27th June


We can open the doors to BOSS.

We can be with friends once more.

We can have a colour war.

We can play capture the flag.

We can play dodgeball.

We can find out which house is the best.

We can broaden our minds.

We can grow in confidence.

We can become more independent.

We can be in summer school.

We can enjoy the nature.

We can breathe the fresh air.

We can laugh.

We can cry (on the last day).

We can sing ‘See You Again’.

Every summer has a story. What will yours be?


Please don’t forget to head over to our website right now and book your summer school course this summer. Do not delay as like I said, bookings are already in and before you know it, another summer will have passed.


If you have any questions about BOSS or would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.


BOSS TV is a weekly show about all things Buckswood Overseas Summer School (BOSS) featuring chats, interviews, advice and tips for those who have been to BOSS, for those who are thinking about coming to BOSS, for friends and family of BOSS Legends and for those who are simply curious about BOSS.

Episodes available every Tuesday on:


 

BOSS is a British Council accredited language school for students aged 8 to 17 from across the globe. To find out more, please visit www.buckswoodsummerschool.com or contact us here.


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