Back to school? Partial reopening for examination by health authorities



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Health authorities should examine the potential to reopen primary schools on a limited basis, such as one day a week, in the summer.

Health Minister Simon Harris said authorities will closely monitor the experience of other countries such as Denmark, which reopened its primary schools last week.

He warned that any decision regarding the easing of current restrictions will be made on the basis of public health advice.

However, he said, on a personal level, he saw merit in partially reopening elementary schools if allowed by the public health council. High schools appear to be closed for the remainder of the academic year.

Such a step would be positive for the mental health and well-being of students and parents, he said.

“The issue of reopening schools is an open question,” he told The Irish Times on Sunday.

“The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will consider all issues related to reducing restrictions and will follow public health advice.”

The current public health restrictions are in effect until May 5, at which stage they will be reviewed.

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