Health protections in schools 'inadequate', warns teachers' union

The INTO teachers' union has highlighted "inadequacies in testing and contact tracing" and has called for a breakdown of Covid-19 cases among school staff to be published.

In a hard-hitting statement issued this morning (Monday), the INTO General Secretary, John Boyle, said the testing and tracing regime is currently unfit for purpose.

"Despite our best efforts, government has failed to deliver a fit for purpose, fast-tracked, sector-specific testing and tracing system in the seven weeks since schools reopened," he commented.

The INTO, which is the oldest and largest teachers' trade union in Ireland, set out five measures which it wants to see implemented in order for schools to operate safely amid rising case numbers nationally.

The union said it was increasingly concerned that public health precautions for teachers were inadequate, and it was "alarmed" at comments made by Dr Colm Henry, of NPHET, who said it appeared widespread community transmission was a threat to schools.

The INTO is calling for the following five measures to be implemented with immediate effect:

1. The publication of the exact number of school staff who have tested positive since September, categorised by school type and the role of the staff member. The INTO also wants publication of "medical evidence supporting the continuation of attendance in schools of staff who are pregnant or are in the high-risk category" should they contract Covid-19.

2. A clear explanation of the difference between a close contact and a casual contact in a school setting. The union said that, if there has been a confirmed case in a school, the class and staff in question must be tested within 24 hours and must restrict movements until the testing and tracing process is complete.

3. It said an urgent review of the policy on the wearing of face coverings by pupils and school staff was "essential" in order to provide up to date public health guidance on the use of this equipment in primary and special school settings.

4. An additional suite of protective measures for primary and special schools is requested in areas where Level 4 of the Government’s framework applies, including: the immediate banning of extra-curricular activities; the restriction of parents/guardians congregating at school grounds to a maximum of 15 mask-wearing adults at any given time; a strict no visitors policy for all schools; and the provision of funding to ensure teachers and pupils can engage with remote learning.

5. Finally, the INTO said an evidenced-based public health decision on the status of primary and special schools at Level 5 must be communicated to education stakeholders by the end of October.

John Boyle, the INTO General Secretary, said the current inadequacies in testing and tracing meant school principals were regularly having to contact families and staff, out of hours, when they had been been notified of positive tests.

"This situation is simply untenable. If our primary and special schools are to fully reopen after mid-term break and operate safely next month, government must ensure that the necessary protective measures and protocols are put in place within the next fortnight," he said.