LAST UPDATE | 29 Aug 2021

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS have confirmed 1,706 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, as the Chief Medical Officer has sought to reassure parents and students that schools so far have not been “a major source of disease transmission” and emphaising the importance of education.

There are 347 Covid-19 patients in hospital as of 8am today, with 60 in intensive care, the Department of Health said this afternoon.

Yesterday, there were 1,997 cases reported and 324 people with Covid-19 in hospital, with 61 in ICU.

As of Wednesday, a total of 5,092 deaths related to Covid-19 have been notified in Ireland.

As of yesterday, 91.7% of adults in Ireland have had at least one vaccine dose, while 87.8% are fully vaccinated.

HSE chief Paul Reid said today: “The vaccination programme has been a great success by winning hearts & minds of the public to give us all wider protection.

“Walk in centres continue today for anyone aged 12 or over. Vaccination gives you higher protection. If not vaccinated you’re at much higher risk.”

The return to schools

The Government is expected to agree to a roadmap for lift the remaining Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in the coming weeks and months, as schools and universities return to in-person settings this autumn.

In a statement released this afternoon, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan stressed the importance of education for young people:

“Education is at the heart of our society and plays a fundamental role in the development and wellbeing of our children and young people; this is particularly true for children and young people who have special educational needs, are disadvantaged or who may have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

“This year, these preparations are being made at a time when our country is experiencing a very high incidence of Covid-19.

“It is important to remember that our experience to date is that the school environment was not a major source of disease transmission and that school reopening did not have a significant effect on the incidence of Covid-19 in children.

In fact, any increase in incidence among children is often linked to the events that occur around school as much as the events that occur within school.

“I am conscious of the considerable efforts already made by many families, parents and school staff so that schools can reopen,” he said, repeating the importance of washing hands or using hand sanitiser, wearing masks if recommended for your school, keeping your distance and avoiding crowds.

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of Covid-19 to be aware of and do not send your child to school if they display any.

These are cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose.

“If your child displays any of these symptoms, support them to isolate and contact your GP for advice and to arrange a test if appropriate. These measures will prevent transmission of the virus to others.”