The number of Covid-19 outbreaks in Irish schools trebled last week, new figures show.
There were 24 new outbreaks associated with schools across the country in the week up to 20th March. A total of 37 outbreaks are classified as ‘open’ by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Donegal recorded the lowest median age of people affected by Covid-19 last week. Of the 187 new cases detected in Donegal, the median age was 21 – the lowest out of all counties in Ireland.
New figures from the HSPC report a further 16 Covid-19 outbreaks associated with childcare facilities and six outbreaks are associated with University/College or third level students last week.
More individual Covid-19 cases have been reported in schools around Donegal this week, including Letterkenny, Stranorlar, Milford, Buncrana, and North Donegal.
Meanwhile, a playgroup in East Donegal which reported a positive case in one class has reported negative test results in all close contacts and staff.
Mass testing was carried out in 183 schools nationwide last week, which led to 110 cases detected from 4,062 tests.
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Minister for Education Norma Foley said public health advice showed that outbreaks remained very low in schools.
“If we all hold steady and do what needs to be done then I’m confident there will be a full resumption of all schools after the Easter break,” Minister Foley said.