CBS responds quickly to positive Covid case

SIX close contacts of a New Ross CBS student have been self isolating having been advised to do so in mid- October after a Transition Year student contracted Covid-19 within the community.

Principal Pat Rossiter confirmed a single positive test result involving a student. He said the school linked in with the HSE who are very happy with how the school has responded to the situation.

Parents were alerted to the case on Monday last week and Mr Rossiter said there have been learnings for the school arising from the case. ‘We got a positive test result on the Saturday. Six close contacts were immediately contacted and they isolated and were tested. They have all come back negative,’ he said.

Mr Rossiter said he found it difficult to get in touch with the HSE that Saturday, saying he understands how busy they were following a surge in cases.

‘I ended up ringing them four or five times. On Sunday evening a doctor came back to me and clarified things to me. The most important thing was to contact the parents and let them know so I sent out a text.’

He said the six students and the student with tested positive are remaining out of school for a 14 day period.

‘ This is a community situation. We have been lucky; we had one case contracted outside of the school premises so students sitting close to the individual and some of his friends who attend the school were asked to self isolate.

‘We were very lucky to get away for six weeks,’ said Mr Rossiter. ‘We said whenever it happened it was important to remain clam and reasonable. It’s an illness; it’s not a crime. We have learned from it and if forewarns us if another case happens. Communication can be improved; from us to the HSE and from us to parents.’