Young musicians of an Under 15 Dublin band are being asked to self isolate after coming in contact over the weekend with a pupil who has the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland.
It is understood that the case of the deadly Covid-19 bug was identified in a pupil at Scoil Chaitriona in Glasnevin who also had contact with band members who practice at St. Gabriel's Parish in Glasnevin.
Following several queries to the Department of Health, Dublin Live was told that the letter in question was a hoax.
But it has now emerged that the letter was in fact issued by the HSE to parents of the members of the band and is related to the first and only confirmed case in the South.
The pupil in question is currently still receiving treatment at a Dublin hospital, while his school has been closed for two weeks.
In a letter to parents seen by Dublin Live, it states: "A case of Coronavirus (Covid-19) has been identified in a person who attended band practice at St. Gabriel's Parish Centre, Clontarf between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday 29 February.
"As a result, to prevent the possible further spread of infection, all members of this band practice session are being treated as possible contacts of the case, and asked to self-isolate until 15 March.
"This applies only to members of the under 15 band (Ceoltoiri Cluain Tarbh). It does not apply to members of the other bands (under 10 or under 18 bands).
Scoil Chaitriona in Glasnevin has been cleaned according to the infection prevention and control guidelines, according to the HSE and will remain shut for the 14 days of the incubation period.
The Department of Health also tweeted a statement this morning which blasted the circulation of fake letters - it has since been deleted.
It tweeted: "We are aware of fake letters circulating regarding confirmed case of #Covid19 .
"There is one confirmed case of covid-19 in Ireland. If further confirmed cases arise, Dept. of Health will notify the public.
"Please be wary of misinformation."
Director of the HSE’s health surveillance centre, Dr John Cuddihy confirmed last night that they have traced and contacted anyone who has been in close proximity to the infected teenager.
And there is a “low risk” of further infection occurring from the school but is something “that could occur.”
Speaking at a press briefing last night at the Department of Health, Dr Holohan said that it is likely we will see cases imported into Ireland again and expects to still see sporadic cases occurring.
However, the Department of Health is planning to go ahead with an international conference about alcohol next week in which 1,000 people from across the world are expected to attend the event in Dublin.
