The Department of Education has stressed that schools are safe environments.
Schools across the country have re-opened after the summer holidays.
As children adjust to new teachers, different subjects, and meet new classmates, they also have to follow COVID-19 protocols as the virus continues to spread throughout Ireland.
The Department of Education has stressed that schools are safe environments.
Keeping them open will remain their top priority as we learn how to live with COVID-19.
Dr. Tony Holohan has urged parents to be cautious when returning to the school environment.
He explained that “any increase in incidence among children is often linked to the events that occur around school”.
The Chief Medical Officer has advised parents to practice social distancing when dropping children at school and when collecting them at the end of the day.
He stressed: “It is important that we continue to socialise safely and continue to adhere to the public health measures we are all so familiar with and that our schools have successfully implemented.”
He added: “Wear a mask if this is what is recommended in your school environment, keep your distance and avoid crowds.”
His advice comes after it was announced that 91.7% of adults in Ireland are now partially vaccinated.
87.8% of adults are now fully vaccinated in Ireland.
Dr. Holohan urged parents not to send their children to school if they’re displaying any COVID-19 symptoms.
“It is important to be aware of the symptoms of Covid-19 to be aware of and do not send your child to school if they display any. These are cough, fever, headache, sore throat, and blocked or runny nose.”
If your child is displaying symptoms then they should isolate and get tested.
He reassured parents that schools were not one of the prime locations for Covid outbreaks.
“It is important to remember that our experience to date is that the school environment was not a major source of disease transmission and that school reopening did not have a significant effect on the incidence of Covid-19 in children.”
