ROI is on semi lockdown

[SlayingDragons]

Leo has just announced that all schools, colleges and childcare settings are to be closed from tomorrow until 29th March. (So realistically I think until after Easter.)

Mass gatherings of over 100 people effectively banned and workers encouraged (although not enforced) to work from home.

A few other things also said like cafes, restaurants, shops remaining open but social distancing must be considered.

This all came on the same day that we got a text from our school in the North saying we must ignore the hoax message going around purporting to be from the EA saying that schools are due to close - our schools are NOT closing and WILL STAY OPEN.

So, I'm thinking the advice when made redundant might come in handy here: establish a routine, get up and get dressed every morning and get out for a walk. Then homework, then downtime. Another walk to structure the day.

Any other tips? I have teenagers who will be glued to bed and screen for two weeks unless I enforce some sort of schedule!

I’m hoping we’ll (NI) follow suit pretty sharpish. Pointless having only part of the island doing it. I’m very worried about making ends meet now though.

Me too Juan.

I have DC in 3 different schools and I work in a 4th school. This will be a nightmare especially for those in exam years, and it’s not clear if I’ll get paid if we close (temporary support staff so probably not), but I would prefer us to close sooner rather than later

If you are in ROI, go and join the library if you can today if not already a member. Then you can use borrow box plus several more online learning resources and entertainment resources.

I plan on trying to keep some sort of routine with primary ages kids, so attempting to do some school type work in the mornings and then afternoons to be more chilled.

GOOD tip nogravy!

SlayingDragons, the EA are never going to step up and be proactive. We need Stormont to make this call. Westminster is making calls based on England/Scotland /Wales, we are never a factor in their decisions so this will fall on Stormont.
Most schools here are closed early next week for St. Patrick's Day so realistically should close this weekend til after Easter.

I actually need to go and join the library this afternoon before they close at 6pm 🙈🙈

The U.K. is holding another COBRA meeting today and it looks like they are considering similar measures to the RoI restrictions.

Twinkl an education resource site is offering 1 months free access to parents in countries where schools have shut down. Here are the details for Ireland.

www.facebook.com/coolappsforschools/photos/a.491681114327490/1470211663141092/?type=3&theater&ifg=1

Well I'm going to have to fucking work from home if my kids aren't in school aren't I?!

You can join the library online FWI

Yep! @notanotherpothole - the EA are absolutely useless. (I know - I work for them!) Not that the numpties in Stormont are any better

Well I'm going to have to fucking work from home if my kids aren't in school aren't I?!

Consider yourself lucky you can work from home! Many of us can’t so won’t be earning at all if we have to keep kids at home.

In Ireland at least there are measured in place that social welfare is available to anyone who won't get paid including self employed

Could NI schools close even if schools in the rest of the UK stay open?

It would be a stormont decision so yes.

Whether they will or not is a different matter.

Hope they do close.

Dds have come home from school and said that somebody in school is being tested for Coronavirus. Haven’t heard anything from school. Apparently most of the teachers don’t think school will be closing.
And dd2’s friend, who always seems to know what’s going on, says that somebody in our town has it.

I think they will, after deliberating for far too long most likely!

They were talking about this on BBC news just now, about how there’s a lot of contact between people across the border. There may be a press conference from Stormont later on, they said.

How are people supposed to go to work?

I'm on a zero hour contract so pretty sure i won't get paid.

It will be a financial nightmare for lots of people. Once it’s announced I will be contacting my landlord to advise them that although I will be doing my utmost to pay my rent, I may need some extra time to do it.