Dr. Colm Henry:

The challenge we have is differentiating what may be Covid, which is unusual in children and presents in a different way, from non-Covid illnesses, which are much more common in children in education settings and involve upper respiratory symptoms, cough and other respiratory symptoms. We have developed an algorithm working with experts in paediatrics, general practice, primary care and public health. This algorithm and the pathway were discussed with almost 2,000 GPs in a webinar two nights ago. It describes the series of actions that will be taken once a suspect case emerges in a school. As was highlighted by my colleague, Dr. Mary Favier, the other night, it balances the need for continuity in education with the need to identify cases where they emerge with children. For example, children with sniffles or mild upper respiratory tract symptoms do not warrant testing and can continue to attend at school while those more specific symptoms such as cough, respiratory symptoms, loss of taste or loss of smell do merit isolation and testing. This algorithm is for GPs and will be communicated clearly to principals in schools to enable them to take the appropriate set of actions should there be a suspect case in school.