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NPHET must conduct a full risk assessment before parents across the capital send their children to school to see if it is safe.
That’s according to Labor TD Aodhan O’Riordan, who says the government must abide by any advice NPHET gives on school safety.
Dublin Bay North TD believes it would be preferable to leave schools open, but not whether it would affect the spread of the deadly disease which it says is “rampant” in communities.
3,394 new infections were confirmed, as well as four deaths, with delays in the system that ensure that figures of thousands are expected next week.
“The thousands of COVID-19 cases now being reported are deeply concerning to all,” O’Riordan said.
“The decision to delay the reopening of schools until January 11 is welcome. However, the disease is widespread in the community, so we must properly assess the public health risks to staff, students and the community. usually.
“I call on the government to ask NPHET to urgently conduct a public health risk assessment on whether schools can reopen for safety on January 11th.
“The government must also agree to abide by the public health advice that is provided. Depending on the level of illness in the community, many schools may also have difficulty getting enough staff back to schools within a few weeks.
“Before Christmas I had asked the minister to seriously consider closing the schools a few days earlier on Friday, December 18. She did not accept that suggestion, but I hope she will listen now and ask NPHET for advice.
“The same advice should apply to childcare facilities as well, yet care options must exist for essential workers.
“I want to emphasize that schools that stay open is the preferred option once it can be done safely. It is students and disadvantaged children who suffer the most from closures.
“There may be possible intermediate measures between all open and all closed that should be considered, but the priority should be a public health risk assessment from NPHET.”
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