Covid-19 cases confirmed in 64 schools in NI

by Q Radio News

It has been confirmed 64 schools across Northern Ireland have reported positive covid-19 cases during the first two weeks of the school term. 

The Department of Education revealed the details, while addressing Stormont's Education Committee earlier. 

More than 300,000 children returned to classrooms in the first week of September. 

The Department told the committee, up until 8th September 88 positive cases of the virus were reported among staff and pupils in 64 schools. 

SDLP MLA and Education spokesperson, Daniel McCrossan has raised serious concerns about the availability of covid-19 tests, following the revelation. 

The west Tyrone MLA said children and teachers presenting with symptoms must be marked for urgent testing alongside those in their class bubble.

“This is an incredibly stressful and worrying time for school leaders, teachers, parents and pupils.

"The return of classes always presented an increased risk for school communities but news that 64 schools are reporting positive Covid-19 cases in the first week will cause concern.

“We need to be assured that we have a robust testing and tracing operation capable of meeting the increased demand that we’re going to experience in the coming weeks and particularly as the cold and flu season begins.

"Now that children are back in the classroom, our focus must be on keeping them safe and preventing further disruption to their education.

“It’s clear that those within the bubble of children or teachers presenting with symptoms are at the highest risk of transmission. We need to make sure that there’s a mechanism for ensuring rapid testing of these cases in our schools to minimise disruption and keep the entire school community safe.

“I will be raising these matters with the Education Minister and Health Minister as a matter of urgency."