Coronavirus: Northern Ireland schools to cut social distancing rule from two metres to one

The move to cut social distancing in schools is in contrast to the Westminster approach where the two-metre rule is under review.

School pupil
Image: Schools in Northern Ireland are due to reopen on 24 August. File pic
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Schools in Northern Ireland will have a social distancing rule of one metre rather than two metres when they reopen in August, it has been announced.

The measure will allow class sizes to return to almost normal levels, said First Minister Arlene Foster.

Pupils in key year groups - seven, 12 and 14 - will return to school on 24 August.

The rest of the school population will go back to class at the start of September.

Friends observe social distancing as they meet outside Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Image: People observe social distancing as they meet outside Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland

All primary school children - and secondary school children in younger year groups - will have to stay in protective bubbles limited to their own classes when they return.

And in further efforts to ease Northern Ireland's lockdown, hair salons, barbers and nail bars can reopen on 6 July.

The latest moves were agreed by ministers in the power-sharing executive during a meeting on Thursday.

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The decision to cut social distancing in schools is in contrast to the approach taken in Westminster, where the government is keeping the two-metre rule - but it is under review.

Teachers have said the current distance means only a few pupils can be in each classroom.

Earlier this month, the government scrapped plans for all pupils to return before the summer holidays and most children in England are set to stay at home until September.

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Currently primary schools in England, which closed following the coronavirus lockdown in March, are opening to pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Six.

The government has said primary schools can prioritise bringing other children back, provided that class sizes are no more than 15 pupils.

And secondary schools and colleges in England have opened to more pupils in Year 10 and Year 12 this week so students have "face-to-face" support ahead of their exams next year.

In a wider context, easing the current restriction of two metres is seen as vital if businesses such as restaurants and pubs are to be able to reopen sustainably.

Coronavirus: How schools in England are keeping staff and pupils safe
Coronavirus: How schools in England are keeping staff and pupils safe

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the falling numbers of COVID-19 cases has given the government "more margin for manoeuvre" in relaxing the rule.

The Northern Ireland executive had announced earlier this week that pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, cafes and coffee shops can reopen on 3 July.

Indoor pubs and bars opening on that date will have to primarily function as restaurants and offer substantial meals with table service.

From 26 June, caravan parks, campsites and self-contained tourist accommodation will be able to reopen.