Mean Scoil Mhuire in Longford town is closing today following a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the school.
A message issued to parents earlier said a public risk assessment has been carried out and parents of any close contact have been notified.
Mean Socil Mhuire has 570 students attending this year and it has already had to make arrangements to lease space at the former Turners printing plant in order to be able to open in September and maintain safe social distancing for pupils.
A statement issued by the school this afternoon said "We can confirm that a member of our community has tested positive for Covid-19.
Department of Public Health-Midlands has carried out a full public health risk assessment.
All children and staff who have been identified as close contacts have been informed.
It is hoped that testing will be carried out tomorrow.
All close contacts were removed from the school immediately after receipt of guidance from Public Health.
Public Health's action of excluding all close contacts of Covid-19 from the school has caused significant staff shortages - regrettably one that we cannot overcome.
Staff will deliver their classes online from 9am tomorrow morning utilising Microsoft Teams.
The school has invested significantly in training for staff around online delivery since the start of the school year.
We feel we are in a positive position to deliver curriculum and support our students at this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our students and teachers who are directly and indirectly affected by this news today.
The school will reopen on 19/10/2020 as per Public Health guidance."
