Northern Ireland

Two thirds of teachers 'concerned about access to coronavirus tests'

Children returned to the classroom last month
Children returned to the classroom last month Children returned to the classroom last month

Two thirds of teachers in the north are concerned about access to coronavirus tests, a survey has suggested.

Some reported delays in the system, and colleagues and pupils having to travel long distances to obtain them.

More than six in 10 (62%) believed youngsters had displayed symptoms consistent with Covid-19 since the full reopening of schools this term, union Nasuwt said.

Its survey also highlighted concerns about the adequacy and enforcement of mitigation measures designed to minimise the risk of virus transmission within classrooms.

Nasuwt general secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: "It is evident that the capacity issues in the testing system need to be urgently addressed in order to ensure schools can stay open and to minimise the disruption to pupils' learning.

"The Nasuwt believes that all teachers who need to self-isolate due to coronavirus should also be able to get a test, irrespective of whether or not they have Covid-19 symptoms."

Schools reopened last month after closures to hamper the spread of coronavirus infection.

Dr Roach added: "The Executive needs to confirm that teachers and pupils will be able to access a test quickly, in order for schools to make timely and appropriate operational decisions about whether or not they can continue to maintain provision safely."

Holy Cross College in Strabane, Co Tyrone, announced it was shutting its gates on Wednesday morning after recording confirmed infections.

Two were confirmed on Sunday September 20 and two more today. A deep clean of the secondary school for around 1,550 boys and girls was undertaken.

Malone Integrated College in Belfast reported a positive case among the teaching staff. Close contacts have been notified and the school reopens on Friday September 25.

Principal Katrina Moore said: "As a result of our stringent protocol in place for tracking and tracing, we have been able to minimise the impact on staff and pupils."

The school had closed on a precautionary basis.

A detailed risk assessment in conjunction with the Public Health Agency was carried out.

The principal said the closure enabled her to protect the entire school community.

"This is my main priority each and every day and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future."