In line with “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” it is a matter for Government to determine the level of public health restrictions applied and the composition of those restrictions.
In “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” the following framework is provided in respect of further and higher education:
Level 1
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Level 2
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Level 3
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Level 4
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Level 5
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Open with protective measures
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Open with protective measures
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Further, higher and adult education to escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible
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Further, higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on-site
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Recommendations based upon precise situation and evidence at time
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In a letter dated 15th October 2020, NPHET recommended that at Level 5 higher and adult education should remain open, with appropriate protective measures in place, with the vast majority of programmes delivered online, with exemptions only for essential on-site activities including practicals, laboratory and clinical placements. The letter is published here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/ba4aa0-letters-from-the-cmo-to-the-minister-for-health/#october.