Risk of Covid-19 transmission higher at school gates than in classroom – PHA

A man wearing a face mask walks past an entrance to Belfast City Hospital, Northern Ireland, after the Stormont executive announced closures of schools, pubs and restaurants as the region enters a period of intensified coronavirus restrictions in response to spiralling infection rates (Brian Lawless/PA)

The risk of Covid-19 transmission is greater at the school gates than in the classroom, a Public Health Agency official has said.

Days ahead of a Stormont Executive discussion on the reopening of schools, Dr Joanne McClean paid tribute to the work done to keep pupils and staff safe inside the classroom.