A school in Kerry is to close after 17 positive cases for COVID-19 were confirmed.
RTE report that 17 cases at Scoil Mhuire Killorglin, a mixed primary school of 386 pupils, have been recorded so far “and contact tracing is ongoing” according to the HSE-South Department.
All staff and pupils will be referred for testing by the HSE and they've been told to stay at home and restrict their movements.
In a letter that was sent by the HSE South Dept of Health, they stated: “In the Irish experience with Covid-19 thus far, it has been uncommon to see an outbreak of this scale among a school population.
The letter also stated that pupils must not have visitors to their home and that they must “keep away from older people”.
The HSE statement added: “Following further review today, based on current evidence the decision has been taken to extend testing to the remainder of the school population, (children and staff). Any child not previously identified as a case or a close contact is now advised to restrict their movements until Wednesday, December 30."
The pupils are also being referred for two additional tests, a number of days apart, by the HSE.
Meanwhile, a junior infants class in Tralee has been asked to remain at home until after Christmas.
