The Principal of a Clare Primary School has appealed to the entire community to play their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 so that schools can stay open.
It comes in the wake of the Government’s 375 million euro plan, which was unveiled yesterday and will have to be implemented within four weeks.
The Government last night launched it’s 375 million euro plan for re-opening schools, and with only four weeks to go, schools have a tight time frame to put measures in place.
Under the plan, primary school students will be put into pods in their class and while junior infants to second class won’t have to observe social distancing, those from second class up will have to be spaced a metre from their classmates.
75 million euro is being allocated to allow schools adapt their classrooms, but some students may be taught in parish halls or GAA facilities when they return, in cases where current infrastructure isn’t sufficient.
If there’s an outbreak, whole schools may not be shut, but instead, an assessment will be carried out on how many children will need to self-isolate having come into contact with that person.
Principal of Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg, Ennis says there’s an onus on the entire community to play their part so that schools can stay open.
Dónal Ó hAinféin says every effort will be made to minimise the risk but he accepts there will be some difficulties.
Funding for more than 1,000 sub teachers is being made available as part of the Government’s re-opening plan and the Education Minister has said she’s confident it will work well.
But Principal of Clohanes National School, Aideen O’Mahoney is concerned there still won’t be enough cover.
