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What type of COVID-19 test can I take?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
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There are two separate tests being offered for pupils in school:

  • LAMP Testing (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) which is for Special Schools only;
  • Lateral Flow Device Testing – for pupils in Years 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, and all staff in funded pre-school settings, nursery schools, primary schools, post-primary schools and EOTAS units.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including;

  • a high temperature;
  • a new, continuous cough; or
  • noticed a loss or change in your sense of smell?

You must book a PCR test.

Do I have to take regular COVID-19 tests for school?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
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Testing is voluntary, which means there are no laws that require you to take a test.

However, it is advised that all pupils and school staff take regular tests to ensure they do not have COVID-19, as some people who have the virus do not display any symptoms. It is also advised to take your covid test at home, especially if you have any of the relevant symptoms.

What is a reasonable excuse not to wear a mask?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
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Reasonable excuses include, if you;

  • Are under the age of 13
  • Are an employee working behind a partition, or if you are in an area not open to the public and can maintain 2 metre social distance from your colleagues
  • When seeking medical assistance or to provide care to someone who needs assistance, such as a vulnerable person or in an emergency
  • If you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
  • When travelling with or caring for someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
  • If you need to remove it to avoid harm or injury to yourself or others
  • When eating, drinking, or to take medication
  • When asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or someone who may need to check your identity, for example, when buying alcohol or at the bank.

If you do not wear a face covering and you are not exempt or do not have a reasonable excuse for not wearing one, you are committing an offence and could be fined.

Regulations on wearing face coverings.

Can an employee ask me to leave if I am not wearing a mask?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
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An employee working in a publicly-accessible premises can tell you to wear a face covering, and can tell you to leave the premises if you refuse to wear one and do not have a reasonable excuse not to.

Examples of places you should wear a mask includes; cinemas, amusements, bowling alleys, concert halls, cafes and restaurants (unless seated). For more information click here.

When do I not have to wear a face mask?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
No comments

You don’t have to wear a face covering in a public indoor place:

  • If you are under the age of 13
  • If you are a member of staff working behind a partition, or if you are in an area not open to the public and can maintain a 2metre social distance from your colleagues
  • If you have a reasonable excuse not to

You do not have to wear a face covering on passenger transport or in a passenger transport station:

  • If you are still at primary school
  • If you are a member of staff and are behind a protective screen