According to health experts, there has been a recent jump in the number of pupils absent from school for Covid reasons.
Concern has been raised over the number of people who remain out of the classroom for weeks after having the virus due to existing public health measures.
Professor Clíona Ní Cheallaigh, a Consultant in Infectious Diseases at St James's Hospital said some children aren’t returning to school for sometimes months after having the virus.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, Prof Ní Cheallaigh said: “My own two have been in school about 10 days this whole year it seems at this point.
“They've had so many absences because every time they have a cough, cold or sniffle they have to stay out of school until their PCRd," she explained.
Amid the ever-changing situation with regards to measures and guidance from health officials, the rules for school children remain the same.
If your child has symptoms of Covid-19, you should book free antigen tests and keep them at home even if they are fully vaccinated.
Your child may also have to stay at home if they are a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19. Read about what you should do:
- If your child aged under 13 is a close contact
- If your child aged 13 and over is a close contact
If your child is a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19 in a primary school pod, they will be offered free antigen tests.
Antigen testing is offered to the full class if there are 2 or more confirmed cases of Covid-19 outside a single pod in a 7 day period.
Your child will usually need a PCR test to return to school if they:
- are under 4 years of age and have symptoms of Covid-19
- have an underlying condition, no matter what age they are
- are a household close contact of a person with Covid-19 and are not fully vaccinated
- are a close contact in a special education school or call or respite care
- get a positive antigen test result
Parents have been reassured that all schools have put in place rules and routines which must be followed to keep everyone safe.
These include:
- School drop off and collection
- Hand washing and hygiene
- Face coverings
- Maintaining physical distancing
- Classrooms, bubbles and pods
- Play and break times
