Aontú Spokesperson for Education Gemma Brolly Slams The Handling Of The Updated PHA ‘Track and Trace’ System

Aontú Spokesperson for Education and Representative for East Derry, Gemma Brolly slams the handling of the updated PHA ‘track and trace’ system and questions the whereabouts of ‘common sense.’

Aontú’s Spokesperson for Education and Representative for East Derry, Gemma Brolly states “Unfortunately it appears the relief Principals felt on Thursday evening when they were informed PHA would undertake contact tracing going forward, was shortlived for many.”

“A number of principals awaited notification on Friday regarding what children within a class are deemed ‘close contacts’ and would have to isolate. Moreover, they were contacted by several parents for advice or clarification on what they should do,leaving principals with the moral dilemma of issuing a ‘warn and inform’ letter to parents in order to allow for extra vigilance over the weekend, or do nothing and hope for the best via the PHA” Brolly explains. 

“Both the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education must accept the importance of the whole picture of health here for one and all involved. This continued lack of clarity has skyrocketed levels of anxiety for school staff, parents and pupils. This is unacceptable at this level. “

“Aontú have contacted both ministers requesting that clear, updated information including exact details of how PHA are determining ‘close contacts’ is issued as a matter of urgency. Too much valuable time has been wasted already” advised Brolly.”

 “It now appears the statement that PHA would take over track and trace was somewhat misleading. What they have done is completely moved the goalposts. One has to wonder what sense it makes to move from one extreme, of part/whole class isolation and testing on day 2 and 8 to the latest confirmation of ‘close contact’ as:

-Someone who attends the same school AND has stayed overnight;

-An intimate contact;

-School trips away overnight;

-Someone providing personal care in school.

Surely communication and if necessary even a phased approach upon consultation with Unions would have been the ‘common sense’ way forward here for all involved, helping to alleviate much of the stress and anxiety of all involved?”

ENDS