NI’s coronavirus response ‘will be led by science’ says health minister

Following a Sinn Fein U-turn on Thursday’s agreed NI Executive position – with deputy leader Michelle O’Neill now calling for the immediate closure of all schools – Robin Swann said he has “no evidence to justify school closures”.

On Thursday, Ms O’Neill said: “We have listened to medical evidence yesterday from the chief medical officer” and that “we haven’t come to that stage yet, in terms of cancelling things”.

However, there was an unexpected development on Friday when she appeared before television camera to back the approach being taken in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr O’Neill said: “On the back of the angst that is there amongst the wider public, now is the time to take action. Now is time to ensure that all schools are closed – that universities and colleges are closed, and that needs to happen immediately.”

A number of political representatives and commentators have questioned whether any new scientific advice was sought prior to the surprise change of policy.

Following a meeting with UK health secretary Matt Hancock and NI chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride in Belfast, Mr Swann said: “I very much welcome the secretary of state’s visit at this critical period. We had very productive discussions on the actions being taken now on Covid-19 and those in the pipeline.

“The four regions of the UK have been in preparation for months for this virus and those close and well-established working relationships between ministers and their scientific teams will never have been as important as they are now.”

Mr Swann added: “Whilst there is obviously much attention on whether schools should close, I will continue to be led by the science. At this moment in time, I have no evidence to justify school closures and indeed to do so at this stage may even be counterproductive.

“I would remind everyone that the latest advice is that anyone, even those with mild coronavirus-like symptoms – such as a new persistent cough and/or a fever – to quarantine themselves and stay at home.

“Tomorrow, we will be meeting with senior Irish government representatives. I remain committed to working in partnership across these islands to protect all citizens.”

Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken later tweeted: “The advice from @healthdpt & @niexecutive is (was) clear – schools should not close until that advice says so – @sinnfeinireland Communities Minister agreed it at 0900 – what (or who) caused @moneillsf to change her mind? This is too important for SF to be playing games.”

His party colleague Robbie Butler also used Twitter to voice concerns.

He said: “We’ve over 350K school children with over 200K requiring adult supervision. Of those 200K children I’d expect that many parents are nurses, doctors, paramedics, police, fire & rescue and other emergency workers. A phased, managed and planned response is vital! Not this.”

Alliance MP Stephen Farry also expressed concerns about the Sinn Fein announcement, tweeting: “In a day of a bombshell RHI report into ministerial & other failings and in the wake of NDNA commitments on good governance, it is shocking to see a solo run on this. Surely this should be a matter for the education minister? Is this consistent with Ministerial Code?”