Northern Ireland schools to remain shut until 8 March
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has said that most pupils in Northern Ireland will not return to school until Monday 8 March at the earliest.
It was originally planned that pupils could return to pre-school, primary and nursery schools following the half-term break in mid-February but due to the new variant of coronavirus, it has been pushed back.
It may also be the case that only some year groups go back to school on 8 March, if a return then is possible.
Giving details of the decision at a news conference in Dungannon, Foster said: "The kitchen table is no substitute for the school desk
"It is also important though that we give people a clear view of what is happening so we thought it was important to indicate today that we would not be back before 5 March in schools."
The executive's next review of the lockdown restrictions is scheduled for 18 February.
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