mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, the public health advice is based on scientific evidence and the direct experience of the pandemic in Ireland. It shows that child-to-child transmission is uncommon in school settings where there are preventive measures in place like those throughout our schools. Schools are vital to the health and well-being of our children and it is important that we continue to balance the priorities of safeguarding public health in the community with the social and psychological development needs of our youngest generation.”
Dr Holohan said that public health measures such as washing hands, covering coughs, wearing masks and staying home when people have symptoms will help to drive down transmission of this virus.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Education has said 100 additional teachers are being made available to school substitution panels on a full-time basis to provide emergency cover to schools.
Earlier this week the Irish Primary Principals’ Network said primary school pupils are at risk of being sent home due to a growing shortage of substitute teachers. The association said that schools were being forced to use unqualified staff or special education teachers to provide cover.
