Calls have been made for Education Minister Norma Foley to shut schools from tomorrow and to keep them closed for at least a week after the Christmas break in a bid to suppress the spread of Covid-19.
Solidarity–People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has called on the government to keep schools shut longer in January “to buy time” as a spike in Covid cases is expected as people will mingle during Christmas.
It comes after 386 pupils and staff at a Co Kerry school are to be tested for Covid-19, with all children asked to restrict their movements until December 30 due to an outbreak of the virus.
Ms Smith said the staff and children ”will have their Christmas ruined in many ways because the idea of being able to visit family or have the granny around will be really difficult for them.”
She said: “This issue needs urgent attention and despite the ending of the Dáil term pressure must be kept up on the Government to do the right thing and keep schools closed after Christmas.
“NPHET need to pay attention to the warnings and testimony of parents.”
Ms Smith claimed it has become apparent that the situation in schools across the country has become “more complicated than the mantra we’ve had from the government up to now which is that our schools are safe and the level of infection is very low.”
She said she understands that a lot of parents are already keeping children at home from school due to coronavirus fears.
When asked how parents who may be working can provide childcare at a last minute Ms Smith said: “It is difficult for parents and especially for working parents who have to find alternative ways of childminding but the government can make provisions for that.
“But Monday or Tuesday will basically be jumper day, video day or game days anyways.
“It’s not like the kids are going to miss out hugely on their education but it could actually help stop the spread to families who want to mingle together over the Christmas period.”
Minister Foley has been contacted for comment.
