Back-to-school distancing guidelines 'require further clarity'

Schools may be unlikely to return to full capacity when they re-open later this year following the latest advice received by the Department of Education.

Teacher unions will seek further clarity at the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response today about how social distancing will be implemented in schools when they reopen.

Students in all classes from third class upwards, including post primary, must maintain at least one metre social distance from each other during class time, according to the latest public health advice.

Children from junior infants to second class inclusive do not need to socially distance, according to the advice.

However, from third class up, a distance of one metre should be maintained between desks or between pupils.

The advice will pertain to schools re-opening in late August and September.

The document, released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, states: “It is important for parents, pupils/students and for those who deliver education to accept that no interpersonal activity is without risk of transmission of infection at any time.

“Generally speaking the closer the physical contact, the more likely infection is to spread from one person to another. There are particular issues with small children because they tend to put things in their mouths and naturally seek very close contact with caregivers and other children.

“In second level education there may be different challenges related to intimacy between teenagers which may also pose a risk of infection. The risk of spread of infection in education or other settings is related to the size of the groups of people that interact with each other.

“Generally speaking the larger the number of people in a group, the more people are placed at risk if infection is accidentally introduced. These issues are brought into sharper focus during a pandemic, but the principles are not different from those that apply to education at any time.”

In post-primary schools, it is advised that a two-metre physical distance is maintained where possible or one metre between desks and between students and staff.

A study published recently by the Department of Education found that maintaining a one metre distance between students at post primary would mean that some year groups would only be able to return for 50% of the school calendar.

It found that maintaining a one metre distance at primary level would mean a 50% return.

The new document also recommends that there should be class “bubbles”, within which there will be “pods” which are smaller groupings of students. Staggered break times are also recommended.

The document also states that the wearing of a visor as an alternative to a face covering may be considered where there is a concern that there will be prolonged close contact and that exposure to fluid/respiratory droplets is likely, such where there are behavioural issues with problems such as spitting.

The advice states that face coverings are not suitable for children under the age of 13 and anyone who, for instance, has trouble breathing or has special needs.

Minister Norma Foley stated that “extensive engagement” with various stakeholders would now take place and has met with teachers unions and school management bodies.

The government’s aim is to bring all pupils back into the classroom together but this appears to be challenging, with restrictions based on increasing separation and decreasing interaction.