Schools throughout the county will re-open as normal next Tuesday despite concerns of a rise in Swine Flu outbreaks.
A spokesperson for the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) reported that schools had been receiving advice and guidance since the beginning of May when the swine flu outbreak was first reported and they would continue to receive direction from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), through the Public Health Agency.
"Following a joint meeting of the Ministers responsible for Education, Health and Education and Learning on Thursday, it was confirmed that schools would re-open as planned at the beginning of September.
The Public Health Agency, (PHA) in conjunction with the Department of Education, the Education and Library Boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, have prepared and issued updated advice and guidance to School principals last week.
This guidance was posted on the Department of Education's website on Friday. The Western Board is continuing to monitor the situation and is working closely with their partners in both Health and Education."
Among those attending Thursday's meeting at Stormont, were the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey. Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell also attended.
Leading the meeting, Michael McGimpsey reported that, throughout the summer, the Department had continued to monitor the development of swine flu and assess the possible impact the virus might have on schools and colleges as the new academic year approached.
"I can confirm", he stated, " that schools, colleges and universities will re-open as normal in the autumn. Scientific evidence supports this approach.
"While the number of cases in Northern Ireland continues to decrease, our levels of flu and flu-like illness remain significantly higher than expected for this time of the year.
"We are also planning for an expected surge of cases in the autumn and winter. There may therefore be some valid reasons for school closures throughout the academic year, but this would be the exception rather than the rule.
"The knock-on effect of such closures on other sectors, including Health and Social Care, could be considerable, and such a decision will not be taken lightly. The situation will obviously be kept under review."
The Minister assured parents and children that the vast majority of people with swine flu would have symptoms similar to seasonal flu and would make a full recovery.
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane said her primary concern was for the welfare of pupils and staff. She said she was sensitive to people's fears and anxieties on the issue: "The Department of Education', she stated, " has taken advice from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and consulted with colleagues across the education sector in the north and south on this matter, and I am reassured that schools should reopen as planned.
"My Department and the PHA will issue advice and guidance to schools for the start of the school year, outlining the latest position and reinforcing the importance of good hygiene procedures over the coming weeks and months."
Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning, said Universities and Colleges had their own plans in place: "These provide advice to students, staff and visitors on good hygiene practice and amendments to normal routines that may be required if the swine flu situation changes."
