Vulnerable children are ‘at risk’ by schools reopening

A PARENT of a young Tyrone girl who has been shielding since lockdown but due back to the classroom this week is strongly against schools reopening.

Heather Cunnah, from Omagh, is “dreading” her children returning to school in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Heather’s family had been shielding throughout lockdown as her daughter, Katie, has heart problems and an immune system deficiency.

Heather believes schools should not be open yet as the number of confirmed cases in the North continues to rise.

Speaking to the Tyrone Herald, she said, “I’m against the schools reopening. They have put indoor house gatherings back down to six people from two households only, yet school classrooms will have approximately 25 kids from 25 households in one room for six hours.

“Kids wouldn’t normally be back to school this early anyway so why not wait and see if the R number goes down?”

Heather fears that vulnerable children such as her daughter will be placed at “severe risk”.

“For this family, we have been shielding throughout lockdown,” explained Heather.

“My daughter has heart problems and an immune system deficiency so myself and my children have been at home, as advised, since March 16.

“Lockdown for shielding people only ended around 20 days ago.

“The vulnerable have received letters stating that they are more likely to need hospitalisation if they catch Covid.

“I’m not sure people understand how harrowing it is to read such words then to have to ‘hide’ for months from something you can’t see,” said Heather.

While schools are due to reopen today (Monday) for some year groups, all classes will be expected to return by next Monday.

Schools across the county have been working hard to ensure the safety of both staff and pupils.

Heather added, “The professionals keep saying wear masks, wash hands and keep the vulnerable safe but then the Health Minster stated that cases will rise.

“Yes, kids need back to school. Some kids are struggling with not seeing friends but the mental health of my kids is deteriorating due to fear their sister will get sick and they think it will be their fault.”