Coronavirus republic of ireland to close schools and colleges

Yes, the Irish government has announced that all schools and colleges in the Republic of Ireland will close from March 12th to March 29th to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision was made after a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and was announced by the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar and the Minister for Education Joe McHugh.

The closure applies to all primary, secondary, and third-level educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and language schools. The closure is intended to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus and to help slow its spread.

During the closure, students will not be required to attend school or college, and teachers will not be required to work. The government has also advised that all extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, should be suspended.

The government has also announced that it will provide support to students and families affected by the closure, including providing free school meals and childcare services for essential workers.

The closure is subject to review and may be extended if necessary. The government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

It's worth noting that Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, has also announced the closure of schools and colleges, but the exact dates and details may differ from those in the Republic of Ireland.