Pupils and staff at a primary school in Co Kerry are to be tested for COVID-19 following one of the largest outbreaks of the virus in a school since the pandemic began.
386 pupils and more than 20 staff at Scoil Mhuire in Killorglin have been asked to restrict their movements until December 30th.
The HSE has informed parents of students at the school that 17 cases of the virus have been identified at the mixed school which is in the constituency of the Minister for Education Norma Foley.
It says all staff and students will now be tested following one of the largest outbreaks in a school to date.
John Francis Flynn, a Fianna Fáil Councillor in Killorglin, said it was "a very tough time" for the teachers, students and their families.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, he commended the school's principal and staff for the way they have dealt with the outbreak.
He said: "Anyone in the school that had been confirmed had been isolated, public health were notified and they jumped on board straight away."
Councillor Flynn said parents and teachers are "worried" but that the community is cognisant of the fact that coronavirus is being reported in schools nationwide.
He added: "People understand we're living with COVID-19 since February now and people aren't blind to the fact that this is going on throughout the country.
"They understand that when it hits the community it spreads and unfortunately, it's our turn in Killorglin at the moment.
Councillor Flynn urged people in his constituency to be vigilant regarding public health guidelines over the Christmas period.
He said: "I know this seems to be an outbreak in the school but I don't want people to be complacent.
"This is in our community and it's only a reflection now that is being seen in our school.
"We don't want people being careless over the next few days because we have to be aware this is very much in our community at the moment."
Meanwhile, NPHET will meet this morning to discuss the recent rise in COVID-19 cases.
Six further deaths and 431 new cases were confirmed last night, with Dr Tony Holohan describing the upward trend as "troubling".
