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A gradual reopening of schools and childcare will be at the center of the government’s revised plan Living with Covid-19, to be released after being considered by Cabinet this afternoon.
However, the Tier 5 restrictions are expected to remain in effect for at least another six weeks.
The cabinet subcommittee on Covid-19 met last night in government buildings to agree on a recommendation to cabinet on the Coalition’s plan to reopen the country.
After receiving an update on coronavirus transmission and the vaccine release from the Deputy Medical Director, Dr. Ronan Glynn, and Health Service Executive Director Paul Reid, they signed a plan that has schools reopening as main goal.
It is understood that the subcommittee has advocated for the return of classes for the younger and older children on Monday, March 1, as well as the first and second classes in elementary schools.
Students who drop the certificate would be the only high school class to return.
Two weeks later, on March 15, the second phase would see the return of all other elementary classes, as well as the fifth year of high school.
The rest of the high school classes are scheduled to return on April 12, which is after the planned Easter break.
Level 5 restrictions will remain in effect for at least six more weeks, with a review taking place on April 5.
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The cabinet will meet at 1:30 pm to consider its revised Living With Covid plan. Document to be published tonight, once finalized. @rtenews
– Paul Cunningham (@RTENewsPaulC) February 23, 2021
It is understood that the Cabinet is also ready to announce a gradual reopening of the child care sector, including target dates by which the stages will be reached.
The executive director of Early Childhood Ireland said clarity is needed on the reopening of daycare centers so staffing levels can be determined.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Teresa Heeney said she would also like public health officials to clarify that established protocols for infection control remain appropriate with newer variants of the virus.
He said there has been an ongoing engagement with the Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, on key concerns and funding arrangements for the sector.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was forced to clarify comments he made last night on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live about talks with teachers’ unions about going back to school.
He told the show that the talks were ongoing when in fact they had concluded yesterday afternoon.
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