School closes in Meath but HSE says 'no evidence on public health grounds' for move

The Department of Public Health, HSE North-East has said there is no evidence on public health grounds for the closure of a national school in Meath.

The Parents Association of O'Growney National School posted on its Facebook Page this morning and stated "Dear Parents, We have closed the school as a precaution and are waiting further instructions from The HSE.”

The HSE statement which is now on the school website said it “was alerted today of the closure of the aforementioned educational facility due to concerns of a communicable disease without our involvement.

“The Health Protection Team has undertaken a risk assessment around the circumstances that prompted this closure, and have determined that there is no evidence for closing the facility on Public Health grounds as related to risk of transmission of a communicable disease. I hope that this letter provides clarity around this matter.”
The Department of Education also issued a statement saying no school has been closed as part of the ongoing contact tracing process regarding the second confirmed case of Covid19 (Coronavirus).

"The Department of Education and Skills has been in contact with one school which closed to pupils today. This school will re-open tomorrow," according to a statement from the Department.

"It is essential that any decisions regarding school closures in relation to Covid-19 are proportionate, necessary and based on specific public health advice. No other response is appropriate.

"The Departments of Health and Education are in constant communication regarding Ireland's responsiveness to Covid19," the statement concluded.