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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2020

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Ceisteanna (167)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

167. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education if she will consider amending the current public health Covid-19 guidance to ensure that the HSE informs school principals of positive Covid-19 cases, regardless of parental consent, to help protect teachers and other students in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43630/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In instances where a child attending school tests positive, the HSE will inform the school principal if the child was in the school in the infectious period regardless of parental consent. In these circumstances the HSE will conduct a Public Health Risk Assessment with the school principal. This is usually undertaken the same day they are notified, but it may be the following day.

Public Health will work with the school principal to identify the close contacts and all close contact will be informed and scheduled for testing and asked to restrict their movements. Parent/guardians will be informed if their child is a close contact.

The wider school community can be informed that the school is working with public health who are guiding the school through the actions they need to take to protect staff, pupils and the school community. It is important to note that the response to confirmed cases or outbreaks of Covid-19 in the community or in a school is the responsibility of, and will be led and managed by, Public Health HSE. All decisions as to appropriate actions following a confirmed case or outbreak will be made by their teams in the context of a full Public Health Risk Assessment procedure.

Schools are working hard to implement the public health advice which is proving to be effective in keeping transmission levels in schools so low. All recommendations are being kept under review by consultants / specialists in Public Health as we continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic.

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