The new measures have been met with mixed reactions.
The teacher’s union has expressed its concerns over the new Covid measures for primary schools in Ireland.
Last night, NPHET confirmed that children deemed a close contact of a positive Covid case and have no symptoms will no longer have to isolate or get a Covid test.
The news has been met with mixed reactions.
Some have welcomed the updated restrictions, but others believe it will lead to a spread of Covid, especially in the school community.
The teachers’ union is said to be “flabbergasted” by the news.
General Secretary of INTO John Boyle said he is completely stunned by the latest measures, which will come into effect on Monday, September 27th.
He told Newstalk: “Whatever supports were there for schools last year have been stripped out and this [ceasing automatic contact tracing] is a further measure that we felt should not even be entertained until after the mid-term break.”
“Let’s be clear about what Dr Holohan and NPHET advised last Thursday. Their advice to government was that if there wasn’t a sign that there were additional infections in schools over the coming weeks up until next Monday, then they could proceed with this measure.”
He added: “Families in Ireland are going to hear this Friday and Saturday that their child is going to have to restrict their movements for 10 days, and then on Monday a child in the exact same situation is going to be told that they can go to school.”
However, many parents have praised the new measures after tens of thousands of children missed out on up to 12 days of school because they were close contacts.
The HSE confirmed the new measures on Wednesday night. You can check out the full update below:
Children (under 12) who are close contacts of a Covid case won’t have to isolate if they’re asymptomatic.
They also won’t need to be tested.
However, they will have to isolate and be tested if they’re contacted by their local public health team.
Children in the under 12 age group will need to restrict movements and get tested if they’re living in the same household as a positive Covid case.
The HSE has stressed that children with Covid symptoms should still isolate and stay out of schools until their symptoms are clear for 48 hours.
You can read more about the HSE’s Covid guidelines for children here.
