This is an extract from the statement of Simon Harris (Minister for Health). The advice is to limit contacts between children in order to protect the rest of society. We ask you to please listen to this advice and not let children mix amongst each other during the school closure. Otherwise school closure is pointless.
While children typically cope well with the virus, our experts have advised it is sensible to close schools, crèches and childcare facilities. Their concern is that many of our children could pick up the infection which they could pass on to their granny or granddad. It is also true that all parents will want to try to protect their children from contracting the virus, even if it may usually be mild for them.
We are asking a lot of parents therefore not only to make alternative arrangements to school and crèche but also to ensure their children limit contacts in the same way as everyone else.
While it will not be easy, we know we will see leadership from our schools and third-level institutions as they manage this period of closure.
