Coronavirus: 'No plan' to close NI schools on Wednesday - Education Minister Peter Weir

"For avoidance of doubt and to provide clarity, despite some ill informed rumours, there are no plan [sic] to close schools with effect from Wednesday, and when general closures are needed to be brought in sufficient notice will be given," said the DUP MLA for Strangford on Sunday evening.

All schools and colleges in the Republic of Ireland remain closed until March 29, 2020 when the closures will be reviewed again.

Many parents with children in the Northern Ireland school system have been critical of the way in which Education Minister Weir has handled the Coronavirus crisis.

"There’s no rumour ... people are just choosing to protect their families by taking their children out now, without a government directive," replied one Northern Ireland mum.

"I have MS and my father has heart disease, both are considered ‘at risk’ groups ... so my kids won’t be going in today."

Despite Mr. Weir's statement several schools across Northern Ireland have decided to close because of the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Other schools, whilst remaining open, have told parents that should they decide to take their children out of school, it will not be reflected in their record of absence.

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