Coronavirus

A Thuismitheoirí agus a Chaomhnóirí- Dear Parents/Guardians:

This is to inform you that Ballyraine NS is following the advice of the HSE/HPSC and DES in relation to infection control measures following the recent concerns about Coronavirus. It is important that children feel safe and that they are not unduly exposed to talk that will increase their anxiety.

The following guidance should be noted by parents/guardians to minimise the risks involved for all the school community.

What is Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause illnesses. Some of these illnesses are very mild, like the common cold, while others are more severe, like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV A “novel coronavirus” means a new type of coronavirus that has never been seen in humans before. The coronavirus recently identified in China is one of these. This new coronavirus is being named “2019–nCoV”. Symptoms of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV It can take up to 14 days from exposure to the virus for the symptoms of this 2019-nCoV to appear. These symptoms include: – Fever – Cough -Shortness of breath.

See links below for additional information.

From: ÓCaoimh, Pearse <Pearse_OCaoimh@education.gov.ie>
Date: Wed, Mar 11, 2020 at 2:47 PM
Subject: Covid-19 resources for schools

Dear all,

We would like to direct your attention to updated guidance issued this morning on talking to children and young people about Covid-19.

You can access and download this guidance in both Irish and English from the Department of Education and Skills website below under the heading ‘Talking to children and young people about Covid-19’.

www.education.ie/covid19

Please ensure that all staff, parents, and other interested parties receive this update.

We would also like to direct your attention to a child-friendly interview that Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn did with RTÉ’s new2day programme last week, that may also be a useful resource when talking about Covid-19 with children and students.

https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0306/1120692-news2day-coronavirus/

Thank you for your assistance, and please get in touch if you have any further enquiries.

Pearse Ó Caoimh

Higher Executive Officer — Communications.
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An Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna
Department of Education and Skills

Sráid Maoilbhríde, Baile Átha Cliath, D01 RC96.
Marlborough Street, Dublin, D01 RC96.

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https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/National-Emergencies-Public-Health-Issues/covid_19- poster-advice-for-schools.pdf

The Department of Education and Skills has updated information for schools, preschools and third level institutions on Covid19; provided by the Department of Health and HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team. Here is the link to the DES website and advice section for educational settings

https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/advice-for-preschool-settings-and-parents.pdf

Please note the following

1. Anyone who has been to affected regions in the last 14 days and has a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or fever should self-isolate and phone their GP immediately.

2. Anyone who has travelled from the affected regions and has no symptoms should visit http://www.hse.ie/ for advice.

3. The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.

4. Travel advice for all Irish citizens is provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

IMPORTANT – HANDTOWELS IN THE SCHOOL

Soap is provided in each of the pupil toilet areas and this should be used when handwashing.

Teachers will remind pupils of the need to dry their hands carefully to minimise the risk of cross infections.

Parents/guardians are asked to co-operate with this directive and to also to show their child/ren how to wash hands with soap properly.

Please also remind your children to sneeze into their elbow/ground or use a disposable hanky if necessary.

Posters will be displayed in classrooms/bathrooms to remind users of the above information.

Finally, any parent/guardian who has specific concerns regarding their children should contact their GP for advice/treatment .

GOOD HAND HYGIENE IS THE BEST DEFENCE AGAINST VIRAL INFECTIONS.

Website Advice: www.hse.ie ; www.hpsc.ie ; www.education.ie

Again thank you all for your co-operation and please consult the above websites as necessary.