A former President of the country’s largest teachers union is calling for faster testing on teachers and pupils for COVID-19.
Corofin Councillor Joe Killeen’s comments come following the closure of a South-East Clare school, after a number of staff were identified as close contacts of a positive case.
A message sent to parents of the 100+ pupils at the school yesterday confirmed that it is to close until at least next Wednesday on advice of the HSE.
Parents have been informed that no students have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case.
The Clare school is the third in the country to see its plans disrupted by COVID-19 in the opening days of the school term, but the first that has been forced to close entirely.
Speaking before news of the school closure in this county broke, Education Minister Norma Foley had said the HSE will decide on a way forward when outbreaks occur in school settings.
The Minister also confirmed that each school is being assessed on its own merits in regards to full or partial closures.
HSE CEO Paul Reid says the risk assessment of each school is based on a number of different criteria.
Concerns have also raised by teaching unions that tests have not been happening fast enough.
Former INTO President and Cratloe councillor Joe Killeen says a quicker testing turnaround is needed to allay the worries of teachers, parents and students in Clare and the rest of the country.
