*Photograph: John Mangan
A South-East Clare school has been forced to close until Wednesday at least as staff members have been identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Parents at Meelick NS received correspondence from the school yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) alerting them to the possible risk. With the staff members forced to restrict their movements until their results are processed, it has forced the temporary closure of the school.
No students are deemed to be at risk, The Clare Echo understands. “It is not possible for the school to remain open without any permanent member of staff so unfortunately the school will have to close immediately”.
Management of the school are hopeful it will reopen by Wednesday September 9th. Approximately 100 students are enrolled at the South Clare school.
It is the third school in the country to have closed since the reopening of schools in the past week.
Speaking at Wednesday’s press briefing, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn urged parents not to send their children to school if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
