COVID-19 Special Educational Needs case and close contact definitions

Version 1.0

Case - A confirmed case of COVID-19 notified to the Medical Officers of Health, HSE.

Close contacts definition for those attending Special Educational Needs Settings or Respite care/Residential care

• Any person who has had face to face contact for <1m with a confirmed case of COVID-19 for >15 minutes in a Special Educational Needs Settings or respite care/residential care.
• Any person who has been between 1 and 2 metres from a confirmed case of COVID-19 for >15 minutes in a Special Educational Needs Settings or respite care/residential care with consideration of other mitigation measures e.g. face-coverings, pods, ventilation, IPC measures or uncertain compliance with mitigation measures in place (assessed through clinical PHRA)

Contacts are assessed from contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 during their infectious period - 48 hours before the onset of symptoms if symptomatic, or 24 hours before the test for COVID-19 was taken in those who are asymptomatic.

Last updated: 23rd September 2021