The biggest stories trending this Friday morning.
At Home: Dr. Tony Holohan urges parents to stop sending symptomatic kids to school
CMO Tony Holohan has told parents to stop sending symptomatic children to school. He said parents are sending sick children to school after getting a 'not detected' result from antigen tests.
He stressed that this is “a really concerning practice”.
Speaking to Morning Ireland, the CMO warned parents that antigen tests are not as reliable as PCR tests. He advised them to get their child a PCR test, especially if they have Covid-19 symptoms.
This practice has resulted in cases going undetected, he confirmed.
The HSE has stressed that symptomatic pupils should not attend school, isolate at home, and arrange a PCR test.
Maternity hospitals to ease restrictions on partners next month
The HSE has issued an update on maternity Covid restrictions.
It confirmed that restrictions on partners will be lifted in all maternity hospitals from November 1st.
From November 1st all maternity services can provide access for nominated support partners to access inpatient areas during normal visiting hours 8 am and 9 pm.
"Following constructive meetings with campaigners the HSE has looked at the recent experience of two maternity hospitals managing greater access for nominated support partners in all inpatient areas including multi-bed rooms. We found that patients, partners, and staff have worked very well together to make this work."
There has been no increase in Covid-19 infections in these hospitals.
Concerns after six students were spiked in Galway
A warning has been issued to students in Kerry after six people were spiked during Freshers Week at Munster Technological University.
The students' union is now running a campaign to raise awareness.
SU president Chris Clifford told Newstalk: "Any student that ends up in a situation like this should never be afraid to contact us, and there's plenty of support available for these students."
"The victim is never to blame - we don't expect people to be watching their drinks all night, but it's just to show how easy it can happen," he added.
Gardaí have been notified and all six victims are doing well.
World: President Biden unveils plans to vaccinate 5-11-year-olds
President Joe Biden has revealed his plans to roll out the vaccine programme to children aged between 5 and 11.
The Biden administration stated: "Today the Biden Administration is announcing a plan to ensure that, if a vaccine is authorized for children ages 5-11, it is quickly distributed and made conveniently and equitably available to families across the country."
Enough vaccines have been purchased to cover all 28 million children in the cohort.
The FDA has yet to approve the vaccine for this age group, but the Biden administration is expecting a decision in no more than a few weeks.
President Biden stated: "I know parents out there are anxiously waiting for a vaccine for children ages 5 to 11."
He added, "If authorized, we are ready. We have purchased enough vaccines for all children between the ages of 5 and 11 in the United States."
Entertainment: Judi Love pulls out of Strictly after testing positive for Covid-19
Judi Love will not be taking part in this week's Strictly Come Dancing. The comedian and Loose Women presenter has tested positive for Covid-19 which means she will have to self-isolate. Her partner Graziano is also isolating as a precaution.
"Hoping to make a speedy recovery and dance for you next weekend. Stay safe and thank you for your well wishes," she wrote on Twitter.
Judi and Graziano found themselves in the bottom two last weekend. The judges decided to save the pair and sent actor Greg Wise home.
