Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Executive to publish plan to navigate us out of lockdown
THE roadmap out of lockdown is expected to be presented to MLAS this afternoon.
Ministers and officials are said to have been working on the plan, which it is thought will prioritise education, all weekend with updated papers provided to ministers yesterday.
It is believed they will include nine pathways, with a five-stage plan for coming out of the restrictions in each.
While education will be prioritised, concerns have been raised by Stormont’s Education Committee chair that Covid-19 safety measures in schools have not been adequate.
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said: “We have been told for days we are getting additional face-covering compliance and communications – we need effective school testing and delivery of the special school staff vaccination programme that is long overdue.
“It’s absolutely vital we get a return to school and youth activity as soon as possible but we need to make sure it is delivered safely and we heed the scientific advice and put safety measures in place.”
The Executive has agreed
P1-P3 pupils will return on Monday, while post primary exam years 12-14 will go back on March 22, when the primary classes will revert to home-learning for one week ahead of the Easter holidays.
“That phased return is what the minister has put forward to the Executive and there has been some confusion with regards to why those P1 to P3 pupils in particular would be returned for two weeks, and then removed for the week after.
“That is a particular concern that the Executive will want to review this week.”
The current lockdown was imposed on
Boxing Day and was set for six weeks but has twice been extended.
Some minor changes from Monday will see click and collect services for baby items, electrical goods, clothing and shoes and the number of people from two households allowed to meet outdoors rising to 10.
It’s vital we get a return to school & youth activity as soon as possible CHRIS LYTTLE YESTERDAY