A RETURN to school of all pupils at the start of the new term is "achievable", the education minister has said.
It comes amid calls for clarity on how the reopening of classrooms will operate when the new term begins in about four weeks' time.
Many schools are planning to bring pupils back part-time due to the current need for one-metre social distancing among children.
However, Peter Weir wants the Stormont executive to agree to change that before September.
The minister told the BBC: "The aim will be across the board to see a full resumption of schools with a range of safeguards and mitigation measures to ensure that we protect both our staff and also pupils as we move ahead.
"I think that's something that's quite achievable."
Concerns have been raised about issues including how school transport will work, given efforts to maintain social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Justin McCamphill of teachers' union NASUWT said funding the return of pupils is a "massive issue".
He said schools will need to prepare various different approaches as they prepare to reopen towards the end of August.
On Tuesday, Mr Weir said any extra money for schools to reopen would have to come from the executive.
Michael Allen of Lisneal College in Derry also warned that coronavirus-like symptoms in schools during winter could "spread panic".
He told the BBC he was "genuinely worried" and feared a cluster could shut the school down.
"We could be facing panic, unnecessary panic perhaps, in cold and flu season when children and adults aren't well," he said.
"I feel that pupils need to be tested," he added.
The education department said it is developing guidance and processes on managing potential localised Covid-19 outbreaks in schools.
Nine more positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said yesterday.
No new deaths were recorded, leaving the total in the north at 556 according to the department's daily figure.
Fourteen more cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic, and no new deaths were reported.
There were eight confirmed cases in the south's hospital system – the lowest number since early March.
Meanwhile, Stormont health minister Robin Swann urged people to wear face coverings in shops and other indoor settings as an "act of solidarity with your friends and neighbours".
Speaking ahead of shielding being paused from tomorrow, he said many would "understandably be nervous about leaving their homes".
"While shielding comes to a halt this Friday, we all have a duty to support our fellow citizens and help them resume everyday activities," he said.
"That certainly includes wearing face coverings in shops and other indoor settings. Consider it an act of solidarity with your friends and neighbours."
