Update 12 March Covid 19

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Holy Family Secondary School                                                                    12^th March 2020

Update on COVID-19; School Closure announced

SCHOOL CLOSURE with effect from

6pm, Thursday, 12^th March 2020 until Monday, 30^th March 2020

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has made an announcement today on RTE news that the country’s schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We did not have advance notice of this decision. However, HFSS have been working to a contingency plan for such a potential outcome and have a remote teaching and learning plan and school emergency closure protocols in place. From 6pm today (12^th March 2020), schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close.

In relation to cultural institutions, indoor gatherings of more than 100 people will not be permitted and a maximum outdoor gathering of 500 people will be allowed. The restrictions will stay in place until 29 March (HFSS therefore, re-opening Monday, 30^th March)  

We consider the health and wellbeing of all in our school community to be our highest priority. Now is the time to channel our many strengths and work together, to remain sensible, measured and calm.

Staying safe and well

• Social distancing and personal hygiene personal responsibility remains the consistent advice in our response to tackling the spread of Covid-19.
• We ask all in our school community to be proactive and responsible at this time of school closure and to lean in to support each other, we can all be active citizens and play our part.
• Practice everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

HSE helpline  1850 24 1850

Communication

• Please be advised that we have information on all of our news mediums for the school community to date. We disseminate all updates from the Chief Medical Officer and the HSE.

Teaching & Learning

• Our teaching staff have remote digital learning strategies in place for this event. Our students will follow their regular school timetable as home school. The procedures for this will be outlined to all parent(s)/guardian(s) by letter today.

Your cooperation and understanding at this time is much appreciated.

S. Allen, Principal