We want all schools in Ireland to close early this winter so students can self-isolate prior to Christmas, which would allow them to safely visit their high risk family members on Christmas day. At least 2,500 students have caught the virus since schools reopened after the Halloween break on November 2nd, with the figure for teachers unknown. Current trends show that the number of cases in all school environments is on the rise.

Many students fear that they may contract Covid-19 in the two weeks leading up to Christmas, which would therefore deny them the opportunity to visit their high risk family members over the Christmas period. Closing schools on Thursday, December 10th would give students the opportunity to self-quarantine for 2 weeks prior to Christmas Day, and so they could safely visit their high risk family members on Christmas Day.

We ask current Minister for Education Norma Foley, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, NPHET and Taoiseach Micheál Martin to at least consider the possibility of closing schools earlier this winter.