The public and parents are equally concerned and worried as the virus continues to spread within schools in Ireland.
According to the Center for Health Care Monitoring, the number of Covid-19 cases in schools has risen sharply, with 46 outbreaks in primary and secondary schools alone last week.
It was 25 last week and 12 the week before. Outbreaks occur when two or more linked cases of the virus are identified. So far, it is estimated that there are 118 outbreaks in schools.
The Covid positivity rate of schools is 2.3%. This is very low compared to the national positivity rate of more than 7%.
Although the increase in Covid-19 cases in the community is reflected in schools, it should be noted that these cases have not increased within schools.
The HSE said it had conducted mass inspections at 414 schools across the country. More than 10,500 students and staff were examined and so far, 246 Covid-19 cases have been detected.
The health service executive said there was a need for a speedy response to issues related to schools. The HSE said they will strengthen the preventive measures when children return to schools after the break next week.
The HSE said the increase in the positivity rate of Covid cases in the community has been very challenging for public health teams over the past few weeks.