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Rise in school clusters

Rise in school clusters

There were twice as many clusters of Covid-19 linked to schools last week than the week before, according to data released by NPHET.

There were 25 last week, compared to just 12 during the previous seven days.

Labour's education spokesman, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, says the outbreaks associated with schools are very concerning:

"Clearly the statistics that are coming from Nphet have to be monitored. Obviously, the situation in Northern Ireland where an extended mid-term break is being considered is something the Department of Education needs to be wary of and respond to."

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He said the Minister for Education, Norma Foley needs to be working with her education partners and Nphet to ensure schools can be kept open.

Meanwhile, in Waterford, a member of the school community, understood to be a teacher, at the Presentation Secondary school has contracted the virus.

A number of close contacts are being tested, but no students have been identified as a close contact, according to the school.

Meanwhile, at primary level, parents at Holy Cross National School in Tramore have been informed of 'confirmed cases' amongst its pupils.

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The school said transmission did not occur in the school and all close contacts have been identified and contacted by the HSE.

audit

One of the country's teaching unions is calling for an audit of schools in Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan, after the counties were upgraded to Level 4.

The Teachers Union of Ireland says the review of resources needs to be carried out to ensure every building is following public health guidance.

It also wants clarity on what would happen if the country or individual counties have to move to Level 5 of the Living with Covid-19 plan.

There were 352 clusters in private households last week, which is down slightly from the previous week.

The Cabinet agreed that Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will be moved to Level 4 of the Government’s Living with Covid plan, in place until November 10th.

 

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