Dear Providers
We are writing to you today to advise that the HPSC has published as of yesterday, 18 January 2022, updated versions of the following documents which will support you in the operation of your ELC/SAC setting:
Isolation quick guide for parents and guardians of children older than 3 months and up to 13 years of age
Isolation quick guide – Adults and children from their 13th birthday
FAQs for schools, early learning and childcare and school-age childcare managers or those hosting sports/social activities for children aged 3 months to less than 13 years, or in primary school
Quick Guide for Schools/Childcare Facilities – Management of cases and close contacts of COVID-19
Quick guide to Public Health advice for cases and contacts for non-variant of concern, including Omicron and Delta
For future reference all updated documents are linked on the First 5 website https://first5.gov.ie/guidance
Clarification
A number of providers have been in contact with the Department in relation to section 1 of the Isolation quick guide for parents and guardians of children older than 3 months and up to 13 years of age and whether a child can return to Early Learning and Childcare after day 7. The HPSC have provided the following clarification to this query: Yes, the child can attend childcare after day 7, provided their symptoms have substantially or fully resolved for the final 2 days (48 hours) of the self-isolation period.
Kind regards,
Early Years Comms
An Roinn Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
