SCHOOLS will be able to access support should coronavirus cases emerge when they are closed for Christmas, the Public Health Agency has said.
A dedicated Covid-19 education team, which operates during term time, is due to close on December 23.
Concerns have been raised about how cases will be traced after this date.
The PHA said while schools are closed over the Christmas period, the support provided by the education team would continue to be delivered through its Health Protection Duty Room as well as on-call and contact tracing services.
"The duty room provides public health management advice to a range of professional organisations for all reported infectious diseases, including those that occur in a school setting. Schools may therefore have had previous experience of working with the duty room," the PHA said.
"If a school principal becomes aware of a case of Covid-19 in their school and needs further support or guidance during this period, they can contact the duty room or on-call service for advice - this is a 24/7 service. All schools will receive a reminder of the contact details for support in a letter that will be issued this week.
"Any issues relating to contact tracing in schools over the Christmas period will be managed by our contact tracing service, which will provide advice to individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19 and inform close contacts of their exposure. This service will continue to operate throughout the Christmas period."
Responding to concerns, the Department of Education also clarified that if school-linked cases emerged during holidays, principals could access support through the PHA's existing arrangements.
Details will be provided to all schools in advance of their closure, the department said.
