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Labor has called for a risk assessment from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) before the schools reopen.
The party’s education spokesman, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, said that Nphet should conduct a public health risk assessment on the reopening of schools from January 11 and that the government agree to abide by the advice given.
Speaking about this, Mr. Ó Ríordáin said: “The thousands of Covid-19 cases that are now being reported are deeply concerning for everyone.
“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 at large.
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 11.
“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 listens now and asks Nphet for advice. “
Preferred option
He said the same advice should apply to child care facilities as well, however, there must be care options for essential workers.
Ó Ríordáin said he wanted to emphasize that schools that remain open are the preferred option once it can be done safely. He said it is disadvantaged students and children who suffer the most from school closures.
He added: “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 of Nphet.”
It arrives as yesterday it was announced that the reopening of preschool services after the Christmas holidays will be delayed until January 11, in line with the schools.
This latest move comes in an attempt to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Children’s Department.
On Wednesday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that elementary and middle schools would remain closed until January 11. They had been scheduled to reopen on January 4 or 6, depending on the school.
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