Staff member at Belfast school tests positive for coronavirus days before pupils return

By Brett Campbell

A member of staff at a school in west Belfast has tested positive for Covid-19 just days before pupils are due to return.

The principal of St. Louise's College has confirmed the outbreak and says appropriate action is being taken. 

Mary Henry stated: “I can confirm that a member of our school community has tested positive for Covid-19.

 "I have sought the most up-to-date advice from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and an enhanced clean of the school has been arranged.

 "Whilst the school has not reopened to pupils at this stage, I do appreciate the concerns of parents, pupils and the wider school community and wish to confirm that every precaution has been taken."

Ms Henry also insisted the safe return of pupils and staff to school is "my absolute priority".

"I will continue to monitor this situation carefully,” she added. 

It comes as a number of trade unions warn that its too soon for schools to reopen.

Some children are expected to be back in the classroom from Monday, however MLAs were warned earlier that government guidance lacks detail.

Alastair Donaghy from the National Education Union says there's too much focus is on when pupils will return, instead of how.

Parents have already been warned not to send their children to school if they aren't feeling well. 

Dr Tom Black from the BMA says a surge of COVID19 cases is the last thing hospitals need coming into the winter flu season. 

He wants children who display symptoms to be tested before they re-enter the classroom. 

Meanwhile Translink has confirmed it's mandatory for children over 13 to wear face masks on buses.    

We look forward to welcoming pupils back on board Home to School Transport.
Before you travel make sure you’ve read our advice for parents and pupils https://t.co/fRmCaoSjKK
Pupils using Translink services should check their schedule before travelling https://t.co/P8pbKvCiEX pic.twitter.com/OnJ7l19ZyG

— Education Authority (@Ed_Authority) August 20, 2020

The transport company's director of commercial operations David Cowan says safety always a top priority as he confirmed additional 'school only' services will be provided to ensure social distancing rules can be followed. 

“We expect that both scheduled timetabled services and dedicated ‘school only’ services will be busy at peak times and where possible, we encourage pupils to consider walking or cycling to and from school, Mr Cowan added. 

“We continue to enhance our safety standards with regular deep cleaning of our vehicles and facilities using long lasting anti-viral disinfectant and our mobile cleaning teams are sanitising common touch areas.  We have protective screens in stations and on bus drivers cabs and have provided hand sanitiser in all main bus and train stations.

“It is now compulsory for  all pupils aged 13 or over to wear a face covering on public transport and it is strongly recommended that all pupils regardless of age should wear a face covering on any form of home to school transport where it is appropriate for them to do so. Compliance is already very high at over 80% and together with our wider safety measures, passenger confidence is growing."

Mr Cowan urged parents and carers to be patient and allow extra time for journeys during what he described as the "new normal".   

“It is important pupils also practice the wider safety and travel advice including good hand hygiene and use pre-paid tickets such as mLink or travelcards where they are not eligible for a sessional school pass," he said. 

"For everyone’s protection there will be no change given on board the bus and train."