Public health specialists have been working with school referred to by the deputy and my official’s engaged with the school principal by phone on 11 September in relation to the decision to close the school.
Public health specialists working with schools and my Department are closely monitoring the situation in all schools to ensure that where schools are open with appropriate infection prevention and control measures, there is no additional threat to public health.
To date the evidence demonstrates that schools are operating safely supported by significant investment to support all infection prevention and control measures recommended by the public health authorities.
When a positive case arises in a school community, the local Public Health team will work with the school and undertake a Public Health Risk Assessment.
Once the risk assessment is complete, the Department of Public Health will then advise the school of the public health instructions which then should be followed by the school.
It is important that such decisions are made by public health experts and that all schools follow public health advice at all times. Schools are also advised to contact my Department’s school’s COVID-19 Helpline for advice in advance of making any decisions to fully or partially close a school or if they are unsure of what course of action to take.
This practice ensures that no principal is burdened with the responsibility of making a public health decision in relation to the closure or otherwise of schools.
My Department has also developed and prepared a comprehensive response to supporting the wellbeing of school communities at this time. The National Educational Psychological Service has been in contact with the school referred to by the deputy to offer support in relation to the academic, social and emotional needs of their students.
