The Department of Education has issued an update on school closures

With over 2,944 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in the past week, parents are being urged not to send their children to school if displaying flu or Covid symptoms.

Parents are understandably concerned about the impact this outbreak could have on schools, but the Department of Education has stressed that there are no plans to close schools as of yet.

According to The Sun, the Department of Education confirmed they're not planning on closing schools despite the increase in cases.

They told the publication:

“The department is guided by the HSE on all matters in relation to public health.

“The department recently facilitated a communication to all schools from the HSE, with advice for parents, guardians, and staff regarding the current flu season: ‘Protect yourself and others this flu season’.

“There are no plans to issue other guidance to schools separate from the guidance provided by the HSE to the general public."

“Schools remain open and functioning normally," the spokesperson said.

However, parents should be cautious if their child is displaying symptoms of influenza or Covid ahead of Christmas break.

Symptomatic children should not attend school due to the risk of spreading the virus.

Parents have been encouraged to remind their children to wash their hands regularly. They should also ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date.

You can find out more tips on avoiding winter illnesses here.