It is confirmed that there is no futher deaths related to Covid-19 in Ireland. But there is a further 147 cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases in Ireland to 28,116.
The number of people died from Coronavirus now stands at 1,777.
The HSE has now published specific guidelines on when children should be kept at home, stating for example that “a new cough” is grounds to keep them at home while “a runny nose or a sneeze” is usually okay.
The advice notes that “every year, schoolchildren get colds, flu and other infections” and that there are specific symptoms that must be spotted.
The pamphlet adds: “Most of the time, you do not need to phone your GP if a runny nose or sneezing are your child’s only symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist instead.”
The advice lists four scenarios where a child should not be sent to school. They are when a child has:
- A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more
- Any other common symptoms of coronavirus such as a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, or shortness of breath
- Been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus
- Been living with someone who is unwell and may have coronavirus
On the contrary, the guidance also outline situations where it is “usually ok” to send a child or children to school or to childcare
The are when a child:
- Only has nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose or a sneeze.
- Does not have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more (as long as their temperature has not been lowered by taking any form of paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Does not have a cough
- Have not been in close contact with anyone who has coronavirus
- Do not live with anyone who is unwell and may have coronavirus
- Have been told by a GP that their illness is caused by something else that is not coronavirus. Your GP will tell you when they can return to school or childcare.
- Have got a negative (‘not detected’) coronavirus test result and have not had symptoms for 48 hours
Details & credit https://www.thejournal.ie/schools-covid-19-5184711-Aug2020/#comments
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