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THE INTO IS welcoming a decision today from the Department of Education to roll out rapid antigen testing for some primary schools.
The issue was discussed this morning at a meeting between education stakeholders and officials from the Departments of Education and Public Health.
“Time is of the essence and we simply can’t afford any additional delays,” said INTO General Secretary John Boyle, in a statement.
“Given the alarming infection rate amongst children of primary school age, antigen testing could become an important additional infection prevention and control measure in schools.”
Some 6,012 children aged 5-12 years of age tested positive for Covid-19 between 25 October and 7 November.
“Political leadership is essential to ensure swift action on this front,” he said.
Officials confirmed that Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan had asked for an urgent examination of antigen testing of close contacts in primary schools, following recently published ECDC guidance.
The Department of Education has indicated that detailed arrangements for the testing programme will be available soon.
Dr. Abigail Collins, the HSE’s child health lead, stressed the importance of anyone with Covid-19 symptoms staying away from schools and confirmed that her department will amplify this important message in the coming days.
The Department of Education also clarified that the existing guidelines on parent-teacher meetings, extra-curricular activities and school trips and events remain in place, and these events will not be in-person.
NPHET briefing
At an NPHET briefing this morning, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that there will not be “widespread” testing in schools, but guidelines are being drawn up to keep schools informed.
It’s likely that the measure will instead be available for schools dealing with a certain number of cases.
He compared it to the new approach, where close contacts of a confirmed case are sent antigen tests.
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Who will do the testing in the schools?
Are vaccinations a waste if we back in March 2020
Poor kids. My 4 year old thinks everything is about COVID. Washing his hands constantly and won’t be told otherwise. Someone above asked who’d be doing the testing. It’s a salient question. They’d want to be people with a bit of cop on. Not trying to be negative btw. I know they are needed.
Antigen tests are simple to carry out. If the gov supplied the tests free to parents via the schools surely they can be taken at home? There has to be a modicum of good will on both sides? What’s to be gained to lie about test results?
@John O’Brien: I agree. Myself and my partner just came to the same conclusion.
@John O’Brien: I was in Hungary last week. My nephew’s classmates mother tested positive for COVID. All pupils were sent home with an antigen test. My sister in law did the test for my nephew and it was negative. no reason at all we cant do the same here.
Political leadership??? Have they met this shower?
Who is carrying out the tests? I hope not the teachers.
@Kim Steen Hansen: Highly unlikely. It’s not their responsibility.
have your say