9th March 2020
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) has confirmed (Circular 0020/2020) that teachers who have contracted COVID-19 or those who have not contracted the virus but have been advised by the HSE to self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus will be entitled to special leave with pay and substitute cover. It has also been confirmed that If a school is closed on the advice of the HSE, as a result of Covid-19, the DES will continue to pay the employees.
INTO is seeking further clarification from the DES on a number of other matters, including in relation to teachers with existing medical conditions, and also where a board of management instructs a teacher to absent themselves from work.
Circular: 0020/2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised primary and post primary schools
