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

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 will return to school on 24 August.

Also hair salons, barbers and nail bars can reopen on 6 July.

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

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.

Many 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.

Currently primary schools in England, which closed following the coronavirus lockdown in March, are opening to pupils in reception, Year one and Year six.

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.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the falling numbers of coronavirus 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.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Northern Ireland schools to cut social distancing rule from two metres to one