Gardaí are investigating the potential link between an 18th birthday party and a Covid-19 outbreak at a school in Youghal, Co Cork.
Students at Pobalscoil na Tríonóide were told not to attend school today and return to remote learning after 11 students tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend, according to the Irish Examiner.
Some of the students are understood to have attended the party, at which over 30 people were present, on April 17th.
The majority of the students are understood to be fifth and sixth year pupls at Pobalscoil na Tríonóide.
Covid fine
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí visited the house in recent days and an adult in attendance was issued with a €500 Covid fine for organising an event.”
The spokesperson added that gardaí learned “of a number of (positive) cases apparently involving the school and, from inquiries, it was deduced that the source was possibly the event held at the house”.
“The circumstances of the event remain under investigation,” the spokesperson said.
Gardaí informed the school and the board of management in turn informed the school's 975 students and 105 staff of the temporary closure.
Pobalscoil na Tríonóide principal Séamus O'Ceallacháin said the school would not at present be commenting further on the issue. However, he gave assurances that the school “is following all public health guidance and is continuing to implement best practice in all aspects of our Covid implementation plan”.
He added that the decision was not “taken lightly but is necessary” as contact tracing is ongoing to make sure all close contacts have been identified.
Mr O'Ceallacháin said closing the school for the day was the “best temporary solution” and he is hopeful that classes will return to normal on Tuesday, April 27th.
He advised parents/guardians to contact their GP if their child becomes symptomatic.
"Probables na Tríonóide is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all our students and a safe workplace for all our staff.
“We ask that Parents/Guardians ensure that their son/daughter stay safe and if they become symptomatic, please consult your GP."
