Everything parents need to know about new close contact rules in schools starting today

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The rules surrounding close contact testing and restriction of movements for school pupils changes today.

Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said that the evidence shows that schools are a low risk setting for transmitting the virus.

Dr Holohan released a statement on Sunday setting out how close contact rules for school children will change.

From today, September 27, contact tracing of close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education will be scrapped.

Testing of asymptomatic close contacts in childcare an education settings will no longer be necessary.

Children under 12 who have been identified as a close contact in childcare and educational settings will no longer have to restrict their movements.

Cases in Special Educational Needs settings, and respite care should have a Public Health Risk Assessment which may still require children to be identified as close contacts, be referred for testing and have their movements restricted.

Any children aged 12 or older who are identified as household contacts will still be required to restrict their movements and get tested, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.

Any child aged 12 years or under who displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should rapidly self-isolate, not attend childcare or school or socialise and follow all medical and public health guidance.

Dr Holohan reminded the public of the basic measures that can help protect yourself and others against the virus.

He said: “”Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate – particularly in retail settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings; keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces.

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“The most important action to take is: if you display symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, fatigue, headache, or sore throat – isolate and contact your GP who will advise if you need to arrange a test.”

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