Information from DES and HSE re COVID 19

Updates from the Department of Education
Masks – the issue in relation to the wearing of masks for primary school children has been reviewed by NPHET and there is no change to the policy.  As it is not in line with public health advice, schools cannot implement a mandatory mask-wearing rule. The wearing of masks by pupils will be kept under review.

​Close contacts in schools will be tested twice on day 0 and day 10. If the test result is negative on day 10, the person can return to school. They do not need to wait until 14 days have elapsed.

When is it ok to send your child to school or childcare?
​Click here

When you should keep your child home from school or childcare/
​Click here

Do not send your child to school or childcare if any of the following apply. Your child has:

a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more

any other common symptoms of COVID-19 - a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath or an existing breathing condition that has recently become worse

been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

been living with someone who is unwell and may have COVID-19

other uncommon symptoms of COVID-19, such as sore throat or headaches diarrhoea

returned from another country in the last 14 days

What to do if your child has common sympton of Covid -19
​Click here

What will happen if a child shows symptoms of Covid-19
See appendix 5 Covid response plan

Return to school Pupil Declaration form. Click here

When to keep your child at home from school and phone your GP here.

A Parent's Guide to close contacts in schools (PDF, 65.4 KB, 3 pages)


Letter from Deputy Chief Medical Officer to Parents and Guardians
Click here
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New information issued after 23rd February 2021

Updated information on the importance of ventilation


Framework for reopening from the DES


Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance on the re-opening of schools

Links to posters and videos here:

Returning to Primary school Junior infants to 2nd class; Advice for Parents

Safe Schools Advice for parents




Information issued before 23rd February 2021


Click on ‘Read More’ to view the Isolation Quick Guide applying to those aged greater than 3 months and up to 13th birthday from HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre www.hpsc.ie

Click HERE to download this Quick Guide.



HSE advice for parents published 25th of August.


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Letter to Principals  from Minister Foley 25th August


​Video for parents with key information on supporting children to return to school available here.

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