Coronavirus Ireland: North Dublin Montessori shut after child tests positive for Covid-19

A north Dublin Montessori has been forced to temporarily shut after a child tested positive for coronavirus.

An urgent letter sent by the Department of Health on behalf of the pre-school, seen by the Irish Mirror, explains that the parents of any children deemed to be close contacts have been contacted by the HSE.

The confirmed case was in contact with other pupils just over a week ago.

Any other students that aren't considered close contacts are not required to take a test.

The pupil arrived at secondary school in his old uniform (stock photo) (Getty Images/Cultura RF)

But if any children at the school develop Covid-like symptoms they are asked to contact their GP as soon as possible.

All confirmed close contacts have been asked to restrict their movements for 14 days.

This means they cannot attend school, use public transport, have visitors in their home or go to any shops unless absolutely necessary.

However any siblings living in the same household are not required to stay home from school.

On Wednesday HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry confirmed at a Department of Health briefing that, at the time, 54 schools in Ireland had reported a confirmed coronavirus case since reopening.

However he stressed that this was expected, and it is only a very small percentage of the thousands of schools in the country, most of which are currently operating without issue.