Michelle O’Neill says schools should close over Covid-19

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said schools, universities and colleges across Northern Ireland should close immediately.

The Sinn Féin vice president said the difference with the Republic of Ireland’s approach, having already implemented blanket closures, was causing confusion.

Speaking at Stormont, Ms O’Neill said: “Now is the time to take action and ensure the schools, universities and colleges are closed and that needs to happen immediately.”

She added that large numbers of parents had decided not to send their children to school on Friday.

“This week, the World Health Organisation has made it clear we are faced with a global heath pandemic,” Ms O’Neill said.

“The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have strongly advised taking early, decisive, rapid, co-ordinated action.

“They have said implementation of closures is likely to be more effective in slowing the spread of the virus than a delayed implementation and we have been clear we are keeping the situation under daily review.”

Ms O’Neill added: “Today, many European countries have taken robust action, particularly on large gatherings, including schools, colleges and universities.

“In the South, in Scotland, and across Europe, outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people and indoor gatherings of more than 100 people have been cancelled.

“I have spoken to educationalists, sporting organisation and churches who have all taken precautionary action in the interest of people's health.

“There has been contradictory medical evidence and, in that context, my view is that we should err on the side of caution.”

DUP First Minister Arlene Foster has backed the UK-wide strategy to keep public institutions open for now, but noted that the time for closures would come.

On Thursday, the First and deputy First Ministers acknowledged the closure of schools in the Irish Republic had left parents north of the border with many questions.

Mrs Foster, who expressed disappointment the Irish Government had not given Stormont prior notification of its move, insisted the action at this stage would be “counterproductive”.

She warned it could take healthcare workers away from hospitals and expose grandparents looking after children at home to increased risk from the potentially deadly virus.

Mrs Foster has said the infection is more advanced in Ireland, with community transfer of the virus between patients with no links to overseas travel.

Health Minister Robin Swann and Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride have met with Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock at Stormont on Friday.

Mr Swann said he had no evidence to justify school closures at this time.

“I very much welcome the Secretary of State’s visit at this critical period,” he said.

“We had very productive discussions on the actions being taken now on Covid 19 and those in the pipeline.

“The four regions of the UK have been in preparation for months for this virus and those close and well-established working relationships between ministers and their scientific teams will never have been as important as they are now.”

The Health Minister added: “I would remind everyone that the latest advice is that anyone, even those with mild coronavirus-like symptoms – such as a new persistent cough and/or a fever - to quarantine themselves and stay at home.

“Tomorrow, we will be meeting with senior Irish Government representatives. I remain committed to working in partnership across these islands to protect all citizens.”

Meanwhile, concern has been expressed over unnecessary bulk buying amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as shoppers are faced with bare shelves.

Demand for hand sanitizer and toilet roll has spiked, but some stores are also finding it difficult to cope with demand for tinned and frozen goods.

In the Republic of Ireland, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris urged calm and said that while gardaí have been seen at supermarkets, it was “primarily to provide reassurance and to help with traffic flow, not that we have a fear of an outbreak of disorder or indeed looting”.

Gardaí are maximising numbers in preparation for the potential impact of coronavirus.

Senior officers are being asked to delay their retirement, while hundreds of Garda students will next week be attested and deployed.

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