Around 5% of NI pupils absent due to self-isolation or shielding in week before half term

By Q Radio News

Around one in every 20 pupils in Northern Ireland was absent from schools because of self-isolating or shielding in the week before half-term.

The figure was revealed in a written answer from the Education Minister, Peter Weir to MLA Chris Lyttle, the Chair of the Education Committee.

In the letter to the Alliance MLA, Mr Weir said in the week beginning 12th October, 5.6% of students were absent due to self isolating or shielding.

I asked the Education Minister how many pupils have been absent under code P or code 8 since the 24 August 2020. @allianceparty pic.twitter.com/zvO7OEipgj

— Chris Lyttle (@Chris_Lyttle) October 29, 2020

The figures come on top of recent statistics from the Public Health Agency that 2,030 positive COVID-19 cases in schools have been confirmed since the start of the term.

Currently, schools across Northern Ireland are closed for an extended half term break to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

However, yesterday afternoon, the First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed that schools would be reopening as planned on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Mrs Foster said, “Whilst rates of transmission are low in school, it is the activity and mingling outside of school, for example at school gates, that is a particular concern, and messaging will be rolled out about that in coming days.”

Arlene Foster

She also made a plea to people celebrating Halloween to do so safely and in line with public health measures.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill also made a plea to parents to be more careful and keep their distance from each other when at school gates.

Ms O’Neill added that parents and older children needed to take personal responsibility when at school.