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Teacher unions have expressed concern over the government’s decision to keep schools open as the country enters a nationwide lockdown for a period of six weeks.
After a continuous increase in the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, the Government on Monday moved the country to Level 5 of its Living with Covid-19 plan.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) said it had repeatedly requested information from the Department of Education about what additional protections would be provided to schools, but had yet to receive a response.
TUI President Martin Marjoram said that “unfortunately” no guarantees had yet been provided on how it could be safe for schools to remain open at level 5. The union said an “urgent engagement” with department officials was required. on a variety of subjects.
Mr. Marjoram said that the number of new Covid-19 cases was at a “much higher level than when schools first reopened.” The potential risk to staff and students of keeping schools open must be “continually reassessed,” he said.
The lack of consistency in who was considered close contacts and who was referred for testing after confirmed cases in schools was causing “severe stress,” he said.
Speaking on Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that it was “necessary” to keep schools open to prevent the future of young people from becoming “another victim” of Covid-19.
‘Could not’ deliver
John Boyle, secretary general of the Irish National Teachers Organization (INTO), said the government had not “failed” to offer an accelerated monitoring and testing system since the schools reopened.
“If our elementary and special schools are to fully reopen after the midterm recess and operate safely next month, the government must ensure that the necessary protective measures and protocols are in place within the next fifteen days.” , He said.
INTO also asked for detailed figures on the number of school personnel who have tested positive since the schools reopened in September.
In a statement Monday, the union said it was seeking “an urgent review” of policies on the use of face shields by students and school personnel.
He was also looking for “a clear explanation” of the difference between close and casual contact, in which he was referred for testing after confirmed cases.
The union said it was “essential” that students and staff related to the confirmed cases be examined within 24 hours.
Medical advice
Diarmaid de Paor, deputy secretary general of the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI), said the union had been demanding a review of medical guidance on the safety of schools that remain open.
“We have always said that we will be guided by medical advice. However, this advice must be clear, unambiguous, and clearly explained, ”said Mr. de Paor.
“We want schools to stay open, but they should only stay open if it is safe for them to do so.”
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