Schools to open with 11 measures as part of COVID

Measures to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory infections (SARS-CoV-2 virus infections, influenza, etc.) in the school environment, recommends the EODY in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon.

The measures apply to teachers, students and other staff.

The following measures are recommended for schools, according to the HSE:

• Regular hand washing
• When hands are visibly dirty (soap and water)
• Before and after: Preparing or giving a meal, eating lunch, using the toilet
• Washing hands with liquid soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, followed by careful drying with disposable paper towels and discarding them in waste bins.
• Alternatively, the application of an alcohol-based antiseptic solution is recommended.
• Good ventilation of indoor teaching areas. It is recommended that windows be opened regularly to improve ventilation.
• Avoid poorly ventilated areas where people are crowded (e.g. corridors, stairs, use of lifts).
• Avoid concentrations of large numbers of people - maintain natural distances.
• Avoiding touching the face, nose, eyes and mouth and washing hands thoroughly before and afterwards.
• Coughing or sneezing on the elbow or on a tissue. If a tissue is used, it should be carefully discarded after only one use and followed by hand washing.
• If a student has symptoms of a respiratory infection (sore throat, cough, runny nose) or has a positive laboratory test result for a respiratory pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, or RSV, it is recommended that the student remain at home and limit contact with other persons.
• Staying at home is recommended until symptoms have resolved or improved and at least 24 hours have elapsed since the fever has completely resolved (without the use of antipyretic medication).
• However, an update is expected from the Ministry of Education to clarify what will be done with the absences of students who either have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, influenza or RSV and are recommended to be absent from their classes.