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NPHET To Discuss Schools Re-Opening And Local Lockdowns

The Health Minister says he will make a decision regarding further restrictions with the entire coun...
Ben Finnegan
Ben Finnegan

11:30 AM - 17 Aug 2020



NPHET To Discuss Schools Re-Op...

News

NPHET To Discuss Schools Re-Opening And Local Lockdowns

Ben Finnegan
Ben Finnegan

11:30 AM - 17 Aug 2020



The Health Minister says he will make a decision regarding further restrictions with the entire country in mind.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet this evening to discuss the re-opening of schools, and a surge in Covid-19 cases, after 266 new infections were confirmed over the weekend.

National Public Health Emergency Team may recommend further restrictions on either a national or local level in an effort to control the spread of the virus.

"The economy and jobs is critical as well," said Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

"Second waves of restrictions could have devastating impacts across the country.

"NPHET advises from a public health perspective - Government takes that advice and  has to make decisions with the entirety of the country in mind."

Meanwhile, an immunologist doesn't think it's wise to reopen schools over the next two weeks.

face coverings Teenagers wearing protective face masks in a school in France, 03-06-2020. Image: Marechal Aurore/ABACA/ABACA/PA Images

"If you have a significant number of cases or a growing number of cases - the issue then isn't a risk to the teachers nor to the students, the issue is a risk to the community," said Trinity College Associate Professor, Tomás Ryan.

"The virus will get in, and the school will act as a conduit for multiplying the virus and sending it back into the community through people's different families, workplaces, and social networks."

 



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Coronavirus Covid-19 Health Minister NPHET Schools Stephen Donnelly

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