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Northern Ireland’s lockdown has been extended until April, but some primary school students will return to class on March 8.
It is understood that the Stormont Executive has decided to keep the restrictions in effect until April 1. They were due to expire on March 5.
Primary students from courses P1 to P3 will return to face-to-face training on March 8.
Only vulnerable children and those of key workers have been in classrooms since January.
On March 22, high school students in key exam years (age 12-14 age groups) will return to school.
It is understood that P1-P3 students will return to remote learning for one week on that date, during the week before the Easter holidays, to minimize the impact on infection rates for returning years 12-14.
No decision has been made as to whether the groups from other years will return to class after the Easter break.
At today’s executive meeting, ministers also agreed to do some relaxations to allow for “click and collect” shopping at some outlets previously categorized as non-essential retailers.
Starting March 8, click-and-pick will be allowed in stores that sell baby items, clothing and footwear, and appliances.
The decision to extend the main closure restrictions until April 1 will be subject to review on March 18.
The ministers are expected to formally confirm the decisions at a press conference today.
Since Christmas, the people of Northern Ireland have only been able to leave home for essential purposes such as work or exercise.
Ministers previously said there was a collective focus on a managed recovery guided by medical and scientific councils.
The health chiefs asked for caution and “baby steps” to get out of the restrictions.
The blockade has caused a drop in infection rates and the number of hospitalized with Covid-19.
The latest figures show that another six people have died from the virus in Northern Ireland.
342 more people have been reported, according to the Health Department.
A total of 418 patients were hospitalized until midnight. 51 were in intensive care this morning.
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Health Minister Robin Swann previously said that the spread of new infectious variants of the coronavirus represented considerable uncertainty, as he reflected on future restrictions.
Face coverings may be needed in stores and on public transportation in the future, he cautioned, and there may be some limited long-term restrictions.
Restaurants, cafes and bars have been closed except for some takeout services since December 24.
Pubs have been closed for much of the pandemic.
Ministers are ready to discuss plans to reopen businesses after the latest shutdown. They are likely to be gradual.
Medical Director Dr. Michael McBride has anticipated a summer similar to last summer, when many restrictions were eased.
You have said that as we move into the fall and winter we will likely need some additional restrictions, as we have demanded this winter.
Dr. McBride has said that as more people at risk for serious diseases are vaccinated, the pressures on the health service are likely to ease.
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