Concern over number of school cases
NEARLY 400 cases of Covid-19 have been detected in Ireland’s schools, new figures show.
Following Dáil questions, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín revealed there were 372 such cases of the virus.
Mr Tóibín said: ‘These figures are a matter of grave concern.
‘They indicate that there needs to be a great deal more transparency and accountability over the issues facing Irish schoolchildren and teachers.’
Significantly, within the politically contentious special schools arena, more than 16 infections were detected in December.
Mr Tóibín warned: ‘With figures like that, the Ministers for Health and Education need to engage in some serious confidence-building.’
The Meath West TD secured the figures after asking the Minister for Health for the percentage of Covid19 cases reported in December ‘involving schoolchildren or close contacts of schoolchildren’.
Mr Tóibín also asked Minister Stephen Donnelly for ‘the number of schools in the country experiencing Covid outbreaks’.
Responding, the minister said a total of 10,673 tests were completed in December 2020 in schools and special-education facilities.
Within this data, he added, ‘9,291 (87%) account for tests for individuals under 18, and 1,382 (13%) account for tests for individuals 18 and over’.
Despite the public perception that young people do not contract Covid the figures revealed there were 328 (88%) detected cases for those under the age of 18, and 44 (12%) detected cases among those 18-plus category for pupils. The minister added: ‘To date, a total of 35,138 tests have been carried out in schools and special education facilities.
‘Within these, 30,336 (86%) account for tests for individuals under 18, and 4,802 (14%) account for tests for individuals 18 and over.
‘There are 831 (87%) detected cases for those under the age of 18, and 129 (13%) detected cases among those 18 and over.’