Cork school to close on Wednesday due to staff problems caused by Covid-19

A Cork County school will close on Wednesday due to a staff shortage caused by Covid.

Scoil Bhríde in Crosshaven is a girls’ primary school, teaching more than 200 pupils a year.

Due to two positive Covid cases among school staff, four teachers, two Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), and Principal Séamus O’Connor self-isolate for 14 days.

Due to this decrease in available staff, the school board, along with the HSE, have made the decision to close on Wednesday to assess the situation.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr. O’Connor, who has been working at the school for the past 12 years, said: “We closed the day to do more risk assessments with the HSE.

“Two teachers on staff tested positive, and as a result, the people who were in the groups with them on breaks, etc., have isolated themselves.

“The board made the decision together with the HSE to close the school to conduct more risk assessments.”

Discussing the issue, O’Connor said there is currently a shortage of substitute teachers and it is also possible that the school will remain closed for the rest of the week if they cannot get enough staff.

There is also a minor shortage so we need to make sure we have enough staff to keep the school running for the rest of the week.

“We may be closed the rest of the week unless we can cover all classes.

“We are following all the guidelines established by the HSE and the Department of Education, the health and safety of students and staff is our main concern.”

The school normally operates with eight teachers with two SNAs and two learning support teachers.