Fresh calls have been made in Clare for contact tracing to be reinstated in schools and childcare settings.
NPHET is recommending that children reduce their social contact over the coming weeks, but one West Clare Principal says more needs to be done.
It comes as NIAC has given the green light to roll-out booster vaccinations to everyone over the age of 16.
It’s recommended under 12s don’t attend indoor social events like sleepovers, nativity plays, playdates or communions.
While those aged 9 and above will now have to wear masks in shops, schools and on public transport.
A West Clare Principal says he’s glad it’s been acknowledged that schools aren’t as safe as first believed and he’s no doubt that senior pupils will be able to adapt.
However, Aidan Looney of Miltown National School says more measures are needed.
The owner of a childcare facility in Ennis claims the removal of contact tracing has allowed covid to “spread by stealth” in settings like theirs.
Claire Tuohy of Lifford Childcare Centre says the high number of cases over the past fortnight has made it difficult for those in the childcare sector to provide a service.
Meanwhile, NIAC has now approved the use of booster vaccines for almost everyone.
The jabs will be rolled out with pregnant women given priority, followed by those aged 40 to 49, and then the 16 to 39 year olds.
People will still need to be at least 5 months after their second dose of the initial vaccine.
The HSE will work through the currently approved groups of over 50s and those will underlying conditions first and people who got the Janssen vaccine will be eligible for a booster three months after their first vaccination.
The 16 to 39 group will be done in descending order of age – but those who got Janssen will have an exemption to this, so a 20 year old who got Janssen may get their booster before a 35 year old who got Pfizer, due to waning immunity.
