Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
829. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there are specific Covid-19 testing protocols for babies and toddlers; if so, the protocols; and if not, the reason therefor; and if protocols will be drawn up. [25467/20]
View answerIn terms of assessment and testing pathways for children and minors, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has in recent days issued clear instructions to all GP providers and published these on its website. For children aged from 3 months up to 13th birthday, the following summarises the criteria:
Testing is advised for any child with any of the following unless there is a strong clinical reason to do otherwise:
1. Fever (greater than or equal to 38.0°C; confirmed) in the absence of an alternative diagnosis (e.g. UTI, varicella) OR
2. A new cough, shortness of breath or deterioration in existing respiratory condition OR
3. Symptoms of anosmia (loss of sense of smell)*, ageusia (loss of sense of taste)* or dysgeusia (distortion of sense of taste)*OR
*If the child can express or describe these symptoms
4. Minor respiratory symptoms in a child who has other ill contacts, is part of an outbreak or is a contact of a proven case.
The HPSC documentation describes the assessment in much more detail. For those aged younger than 3 months, the usual assessment protocols apply. For those aged 13 years or older or who attend secondary school, the HPSC refers these to adult testing guidance. The HPSC has also published a helpful “Isolation Quick guide”.
