A primary school in Co Clare has shut because some staff members are considered close contacts of a case of COVID-19.

The Department of Health has said it does not comment on individual cases.

But in a statement, it said: "There will be cases of COVID-19 among children and in school settings over the coming days and weeks, as there have been throughout this pandemic to date.

"In the event of confirmed COVID-19 cases in school settings, public health teams in the HSE will respond and liaise closely with the school involved and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect students and school staff".

It comes after a second Dublin primary school confirmed a case of the virus on Wednesday and sent a number of pupils home.

The child in Dublin was diagnosed on Tuesday and was sent home alongside a number of classmates and everyone they had been in close contact with.

The children have been asked to remain at home and will continue to receive lessons through remote learning until they are tested and permitted to return to class.

The rest of the school is "continuing in full operation" and officials are offering the school principal and management "every possible support and assistance."

It comes after an entire class of students was sent home from another school in the capital on Tuesday.

The Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board said its "continuing priority is to support the wellbeing of the school community and to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning for the pupils and teachers of the school."

Main image:  School bags hang and stand in a classroom in Germany. Picture by: Philipp Schulze/dpa