20th October 2020
INTO is calling for the publication of a detailed breakdown of the figures relating to COVID-19 in schools, across the north, in the face of increased reports received from its members of COVID-19 outbreaks in their schools.
INTO Northern Secretary, Gerry Murphy said:
“We have received an ever-growing number of queries from members who are extremely concerned that they are being exposed to Coronavirus despite the almost daily denial of any problem in our schools from the Minister of Education and others. Concerns not only relate to the occurrence but the ability of the system to deal with the fallout from an outbreak. The ineffectual track and trace system, the organisation of “enhanced cleaning” are now also placed on already overstretched principals.
Teachers and principals would be greatly reassured if the Minister would go beyond the rhetoric and publish the detailed figures on how many of our young people, their teachers, and their support colleagues have tested positive for the virus since the wider re-opening of schools in late August. It would also be important that in addition to the overall figures that the numbers were broken down by school and job type.
The Executive, in announcing the two-week shut-down of schools as part of the wider four week tightening of restrictions, indicated that these restrictions would be subject to a review. INTO stands ready to contribute to this review which is to take place prior to schools re-opening again. Minister Weir’s comments after the Executive’s tightening of restrictions appear to indicate he is at odds with the Executive’s position and has made up his own mind. This is the same Minister who has on several previous occasions said he would make all decisions about the schools being either opened or closed in light of the science and medical advice.
INTO is calling on the Minister, Peter Weir, MLA to make the science available, beginning with the infection figures across the school system. If it is the case, as he is suggesting that there is no problem in schools, then we can all move on with the business of educating our young people in the schools, reassured and confident in their safety, and that of their teachers and those who work alongside them.
However, should it be the case that we do have a coronavirus crisis in our schools which are, after all, at the heart of every community, then we need to find an alternative, safer way to maintain the continuity of learning for our young people whilst protecting them from this despicable virus. A principled approach such as this would assist in restoring confidence across the system in advance of the second re-start on November 2nd.”