ALMOST 250 schools across Northern Ireland have had multiple cases of Covid-19.
On Monday, Education Minister Peter Weir told the assembly that "a total of 10 schools out of over 1,000 have had more than one incident".
However, a response to an assembly question by SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has revealed that 247 schools have reported more than one case since August.
Children returned to classrooms full-time last month after prolonged closures during lockdown.
Many schools have been affected by Covid cases, with some sending home full classes or entire year groups while others have had to close temporarily.
Mr Weir said between August 24 and Oct 13, there had been 1,491 cases in schools. It is unclear how this is split between staff and pupils.
The INTO teaching union has said there is a need for more detail amid increased reports from members of outbreaks.
In the assembly, the minister added that in most of the cases where there was an incident at a school, it was a single individual who tested positive.
"From that period, I think that a total of 10 schools out of over 1,000 have had more than one incident," he said.
"The PHA is working on being able to provide more definitive information. It is important, therefore, that we get the PHA and DoH to produce information in a useable and accurate way as we move forward."
Mr McGlone was told the PHA had been collecting data on the number of incidents reported to its Covid School Team since the restart.
By October 13, it received 1,491 reported cases by schools (both pupils and staff) with 247 schools with more than one case.
The Mid Ulster MLA said it is crucial that information is placed in the public domain.
"But particularly now in times of a pandemic, that schools, staff, parents and pupils all be reassured that actions taken, including school closures, are being based on accurate information," he said.
"The minister said only 10 schools had experienced multiple cases, yet in his response to my assembly question, he confirms the number of schools with multiple cases of Covid is 247 for the same timeframe. It is crucially important that the minister and the department immediately clarify which is the accurate figure."
