Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said the level of COVID-19 cases in schools across the north is concerning. 

The Sinn Féin Education spokesperson said: 

“Reports that there have been 88 positive COVID-19 cases in 64 schools in the north are very concerning. 

“Parents and guardians will undoubtedly be alarmed at these figures and there is an onus on the Education Minister and the Department of Education to provide clear and concise information to allay those concerns. 

“Minister Weir needs to work with the health minister Robin Swann to make sure that a thorough testing mechanism is in place so that results are turned around quickly and positive cases can be identified and keep disruption at a minimum. 

“At today’s Education Committee meeting I also asked the Education Authority and the Public Health Agency to work together to coordinate placing mobile testing units at schools in the event of outbreaks. 

“We need to do everything we can to ensure the safety of pupils and all school staff in order to help stop the spread of COVID.”