Covid scare Mayo school affected by Covid-19 reopens after being ordered to by Department of Education

Claremorris Boys National School is reopening this morning after being told to do so by the Department of Education.

The Mayo school had made the decision to close its doors until January 5 after a number of students tested positive for Covid-19, but principal Mark Loftus confirmed that classes would begin again today.

“I haven't heard from (Education Minister) Ms Foley, not that I'm inviting her to speak with me or anything but I have told to reopen by the people who work for her in governance,” Mr Loftus told Newstalk. “And it was from there that the directive came that we were supposed to remain open.

“The school is open for any pupils that are going to be attending,” he added.

According to Mr Loftus, more than 13 pupils had tested positive for Covid-19 since the school reopened after the mid-term break.

“Apart from the 11 confirmed cases of the virus in the school we have had to date which may well rise, Claremorris itself unfortunately is currently experiencing a very high level of Covid cases,: he had said previously.

“Our effort to reason with Public Health and the Department of Education and Skills (had fallen) on deaf ears.”

But a note to parents on its website, the school said it had been left with no option but to reopen but Loftus added that parents who wished to keep their child at home would have his "full support".

"Your concerns and fears are very much shared and fully supported by me. Thank you for all your tremendous support and encouragement", the statement said.

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