Coronavirus: Dr. Anne McCloskey calls on parents to 'keep children home from school' to protect vulnerable

The Aontú, a former GP, said that the island of Ireland and the world, will only overcome the current crisis if it acts as one in the interest of preserving the life and health of all our people.

“There is no sense in delaying the inevitable . We know that many parents are concerned about sending their children to school in crowded classrooms ,canteens and corridors and some will decide to keep their children at home. It is now time for everyone to do this”.

“The people of the north of Ireland should not be debating with the British Government about measures to secure our safety," she stated.

The Derry councillor said the British Government's stance on the pace of containment and suppression measures was at odds with the rest of Europe.

"It is widely quoted that when doctors differ, patients die . We should not allow this to happen here. The advice issued by the British Government regarding social distancing and the closure of many institutions makes a mockery of the decision to keep schools in the north open.

"We congratulate those principals who have taken the initial steps towards school closures by remaining closed this week. We know that ultimately schools can only be officially closed following a directive from the Department of Education .

"Failing that parents supported by our political leaders should complete the process and make it clear that their children will not return to school until this crisis is over," she said.