EDUCATION minister Peter Weir has said he has no plans to introduce Covid-19 testing for children and staff when schools reopen next month.
Speaking during an online meeting of the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, Mr Weir said various measures will be put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.
"At the moment, it doesn't look like masks would particularly be needed," he added.
The DUP minister said discussions are currently taking place around the wearing of face masks in shops to exempt those under 13.
He said testing for Covid-19 offers only limited protection as people could contract the virus after showing up negative.
The minister suggested that people should be tested if they have symptoms or have been exposed to coronavirus.
"Limited testing needs to be focused on where it is actually needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, children's commissioner Koulla Yiasouma said she has raised concerns about Department of Education guidance on dealing with children who have symptoms of coronavirus.
It states that a child “awaiting collection should be moved, if possible, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door".
“The department should explicitly state that no child should be kept in a room behind a closed door without an adult with them,” Ms Yiasouma said.
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan also called yesterday on Mr Weir to bring forward a complete plan for the reopening of schools.
"This needs to be done as a matter or urgency and I will be writing to Peter Weir to impress on him to the need for a plan to be in place as soon as possible,” she said.
