ONLY a "very small" number of pupils attended schools in Northern Ireland yesterday after their widespread closure, Stormont's education minister has said.
Schools have been closed to pupils except for those whose parents or guardians are considered 'key workers' in the effort against Covid-19.
Some 575 pre-school settings and schools remained open yesterday, according to a survey compiled by the Department of Education.
A total of 793 indicated they were willing to open later in the week and remain open in the weeks to come once preparations had been made.
DUP Education Minister Peter Weir yesterday said: "An early assessment of today's survey of schools has shown that the number of pupils attending is very small.
"My department will continue to gather this information and monitor how schools are managing to ensure they remain safe for pupils and staff alike.
"Within the overall total there may be particular areas of pressure, and we will wish to address those with schools."
Mr Weir asked key workers to only use schools as a last-resort option if other arrangements cannot be made.
