There are cases in 25 counties.

The National Public Health Emergency Team has confirmed that a further 92 cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening, bringing the total number of cases in Ireland to 28,201.

There have been no further deaths from the virus. Six patients remain in ICU, with 26 confirmed cases hospitalised.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn will address the situation and the Government’s ongoing response at a sitting of the Covid-19 committee on Wednesday.

Any close contacts of a positive case of #COVID19 will be contacted by our contact tracers & referred for a test. We strongly advise everybody contacted to come forward to help protect yourself, your family, the wider public and to help slow the the spread of #coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/AYlk6NjdgR

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) August 25, 2020

Meanwhile, thousands of children are preparing to return to the classroom in the coming days for the first time since March.

“Internationally, where schools have been reopened, schools have not been a significant driver of community transmission,” Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn told a press conference.

“Evidence from the ECDC and international experience to date suggests that children do not commonly transmit Covid-19 to other children or adults in school settings,” he said.

Sneezing is okay, but a high temperature is cause for self-isolation

Meanwhile, the HSE has been reminding parents about the steps to take when schoolchildren inevitably get colds, flu and other infections. According to health experts, there is no need to worry if a child has a runny nose or they are sneezing.

However, parents are asked to keep their child home from school or childcare if a child has:

• a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more
• any other common symptoms of coronavirus – a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, or shortness of breath
• been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus
• been living with someone who is unwell and may have coronavirus

Parents of children experiencing the symptoms detailed are advised to isolate the child (this means keeping them at home and completely avoiding contact with other people) and phone a GP, who will advise you if your child needs a coronavirus test.

“Everyone that your child lives with should also restrict their movements, at least until your child gets a diagnosis from their GP or a coronavirus test result. This means not going to school, childcare or work.” the HSE explained.

“Treat your child at home for their symptoms. Your child should only leave your home to have a test or to see your GP.”