merrion street

The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has today confirmed the risk of widespread sustained transmission of COVID-19 in the EU and UK in the coming weeks as moderate to high.

Ireland remains in a containment phase, with one confirmed case currently in isolation and contact tracing is underway.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again Tuesday 3 March to evaluate the evolving international situation and consider Ireland’s ongoing preparedness.

The general public are advised to follow public health advice; · Wash your hands properly and regularly

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze

· Visit HSE.ie for further information and updates

Following the identification of a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the east of the country on Saturday 29 Feb, a secondary school was closed for the duration of the Covid-19 incubation period, which is 14 days.

A letter from the Chief Medical Officer to parents of all school children, across the country, was issued today. Part of this letter states;

“The decision to close the school for 14 days is a precautionary one and arises because pupils and teachers may have had direct contact with the confirmed case. “However, siblings not attending the school concerned, parents and other members of the community are not regarded as contacts and can continue their daily routine as normal.”

The general public is advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.