Teaching union critical of Education Minister's 'bizarre' plan to delay remote learning

First Minister Arlene Foster cannot say if the dangerous COVID-19 variant is in Northern Ireland - but it is "probable it is here".

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Subscribe              Dec 21, 2020           Dear reader,   The bitter row over Northern Ireland's schools reached new levels on Monday as the Education Minister Peter Weir confirmed again that pupils will return to the classroom from January 4.   However, the minister also said that remote learning would take place for selected year groups in post primary schools from January 24 until after half term.    The minister's decision was greeted with criticism by the SDLP, Sinn Fein and Alliance, and by some unions.    On a day of more downbeat news about the pandemic, experts warned that measures like face masks and social distancing will have to continue in the UK until about half of the population has been vaccinated.    The news comes as another 555 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Northern Ireland over the last 24 hours.    Another seven people with Covid-19 have died in the Province.    Earlier in the day, it emerged that Christmas bubble arrangements in Northern Ireland should apply to Christmas Day only, and not five days as originally planned.     Alistair Bushe, Editor   * Thanks for your support for our journalism this year. If you haven't already, then please consider taking out a digital subscription with us from just £1 a month. And we are offering 20% off if you get someone a subscription as a gift this Christmas. Just use the code CHRISTGIFT20 - find out more here.           First Minister Arlene Foster says it is 'probable' 70% more infectious COVID-19 variant 'is in Northern Ireland'           First Minister Arlene Foster cannot say if the dangerous COVID-19 variant is in Northern Ireland - but it is "probable it is here".                 Passengers travelling to Ireland stranded at Welsh ports   The Welsh Government has requested "urgent" talks with the UK Government after ferry passengers in Wales were banned from entering the Republic of Ireland.           Alex Kane: Yes, restrictions are inconvenient but are a necessary price to pay   Those rattling on about lost freedoms across the UK should try upping sticks and relocating to North Korea.           This is Ryanair's advice to customers after many EU countries announce UK flight ban   Ryanair has issued an urgent statement to customers after some EU countries banned the entry of UK flights.           NI doctors: We can't provide full services to non-Covid-19 patients   Over 70% of doctors in Northern Ireland say they have been unable to provide a full range of services to non-Covid patients over the last two weeks.           Moderna's Covid vaccine has been approved in the US - but when will the UK get it?   A Covid-19 vaccine made by Moderna has been approved for use in the United States, with millions of doses to now be distributed immediately.           Christmas Day ruined for 17 NI school girls told to self-isolate   Seventeen Northern Ireland school girls will be self-isolating on Christmas Day after they came into contact with someone in their school who tested positive for Covid-19.           Police 'take no satisfaction' from issuing Covid fines   Police "take no satisfaction" in issuing fines over the coronavirus regulations, a senior police officer has said.           Ben Lowry: The Covid-19 restrictions will be used to undermine grammar schools in Northern Ireland   Twenty years ago there were groups of experts to defend Northern Ireland's grammar schools.                 View more news

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