A staff member at one of the biggest secondary schools in the country has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
Over 700 students at St Oliver's Community College in Drogheda, were told not to turn up for school today while the authorities try to trace the source.
A letter was sent out to all parents and guardians informing them of the situation last night.
It is not known how long the first, second and third years will stay out of school. Fifth and sixth years will continue to go into class
The 1400 students school has 150 staff including 130 teachers.
St Oliver's said: "We can confirm a Covid 19 case among the staff at the school. We are liaising with the HSE on the issue.
"The school and the HSE are keeping the situation under constant review and further developments will be notified to parents."
Over 30 people who were in close contact with the staff member are being tested.
A source said: "Hopefully it hasn't spread to other staff members and students."
The school didn't specify if the staff member was a teacher.
