UPDATE: Department says "no public health advice at this point" to close schools

UPDATE

The Department of Education has said there is no public health advice to close schools at present.

In a statement this afternoon, the Department said it is liaising closely with the Department of Health on a continuing basis.

"Any decision to close schools will be made on public health advice. There is no such advice at this point."

See full statement from Department at bottom of this story.

The statement came after a number of local newspapers, including the Westmeath Independent, reported that a decision on the matter of closing schools was imminent.

ORIGINAL STORY

A DECISION is set to be made to close all schools for a number of weeks to halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus. 

The Westmeath Independent has learned the recommendation was made at a meeting yesterday of representatives of education interests across the country in association with the Department of Education. 

It is understood the closures are planned to start from Wednesday, March 18, as most schools had already planned to take off next Monday and Tuesday due to St Patrick's Day.

The time period remains unclear at this point but it is understood it could be as long as three weeks to a month.

An official announcement on the matter is reported to be 'imminent.'

FULL DEPARTMENT STATEMENT

The Department of Education and Skills is liaising closely with the Department of Health on a continuing basis.
 
Any decision to close schools will be made on public health advice. There is no such advice at this point.

It is essential that any decisions regarding responses to Covid-19 are proportionate, necessary and based on specific public health advice. No other response is appropriate.

Public health professionals will contact schools if there is any action to be taken. Schools should not take unilateral action.  

Schools, pre-schools and higher education settings have been provided with advice and guidance in respect of Covid-19. There is up to date guidance for schools and parents on https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/information-for-schools-preschools-and-third-level-institutions-on-the-coronavirus.html

The Department is deeply conscious of the significance of decisions concerning school closures, and the potential impact any such decisions would have on parents, families and the wider community.

This is an evolving situation and the health advice is being updated on a daily basis. The Departments of Education and Skills and Department of Health will continue to work closely together on this issue.