A Limerick creche has had to close after a number of staff members became ill with a vomiting and diarrhoea bug.
Our Lady of Lourdes Childworld Creche on Childer's Road in Limerick announced on Wednesday they would have to close for a time after the outbreak.
As a result of the high number of people with the bug, owners were advised by the HSE to close until Monday and do a deep clean of the premises.
The creche also assured parents that it was only a vomiting bug and not anything linked to the coronavirus.
A spokesperson said: "Over the past two days we have had high numbers of staff and children sick with a vomiting and diarrhoea bug.
"Due to a lot of staff being ill with this bug we have had to close the creche this evening and tomorrow.
"We understand that this may cause inconvenience to our parents but we had to follow HSE advice and close. We have to put the safety your children and our staff first.
"Between today and tomorrow the creche will be deep cleaned. We would like to put parents minds at rest in these strange times and just repeat that this is just a vomiting and diarrahae bug. We wish the kids and staff a speedy recovery."
An updated statement later said the creche would stay closed until Monday instead of Friday.
It added: "We have been advised to close the creche until Monday. This will give the staff and children time to get over this awful bug. Once again we apologise for the inconvenience caused.
"We will be glad to see every back Monday happy and healthy. If your child presents with any vomiting, diarrhoea or temperature please keep them at home until the symptoms are gone. Advice from HSE is 48 hours."
