An Ennis principal says schools are well prepared for any possible COVID-19 outbreak among students or staff.
It comes as more pupils return to classrooms across Clare and the rest of the country for the first time in six months this week.
The acting Chief Medical Officer admits the move is not without risk, but has moved to re-assure anxious parents.
Significant changes have been made at schools throughout the county as students and staff alike return to education, and get to grips with ‘the new normal’.
Physical distancing measures have been implemented in schools across Clare, including primary school children being placed into ‘pods’.
Hand sanitiser stations have been put in place in line with public health guidelines.
Secondary school children will be required to wear face coverings where distancing cannot be maintained.
Today is the first day back for exam classes at Ennis Community College and Gaelcholaiste an Chláir, and the school’s remaining students will return on a phased basis over the coming days.
Principal Brian O Donoghue says they’re planning for all contingencies – but it’s important for students to be back.
In an open letter to parents and teachers, acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn says there are no “zero risk” options for returning to schools – but that international evidence shows transmission from child-to-child and child-to-adult of COVID-19 is ‘uncommon’.
Dr Glynn says parents and guardians can play a key role in ensuring the suppression of the virus – but he admits there will be cases of the virus in children in the coming days and weeks.
Dr Luke O’Neill from Trinity College says a new study shows children aren’t as vulnerable as adults when it comes to coronavirus.
