Parents asked to keep children home until schools reopen

Parents are being asked to keep their children at home ahead of the planned reopening of schools, nurseries and child-minders on Monday 1 February.

Earlier this week the Chief Minister announced the Island will begin easing restrictions this weekend.

That includes socially distant outdoor meetings and trades allowed to return to work from Saturday.

However, parents are still asked to keep their children at home whenever possible to take pressure off hub schools, many of which are near capacity.

In Thursday’s briefing, Howard Quayle announced Government is working towards a full exit from restrictions after twenty-one days with no community transmission.   

It means - subject to no further community cases all schools and University College Isle of Man will welcome back students next month.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture said: ‘This is of course a plan and it may change - but we are now working with head teachers to organise how it will work for students and teachers.’

All schools closed on Thursday 7 January, except for 14 educational hubs maintained for vulnerable children and those of essential workers.