Publication
COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Information for parents
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
This section has links to trusted sources for updates on COVID-19 and related public safety measures in Ireland that parents will find useful.
It also provides links to key information about supporting your family to stay safe and well during this period.
For the latest information and advice you can:
- view information, advice and guidance from the Department of Health on COVID-19 from gov.ie/covid-19
- follow the Department of Health and Health Service Executive (HSE) Twitter feeds for the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
- visit hse.ie/coronavirus for updated factual information and advice on COVID-19
- find translated resources about COVID-19 in various languages available from the HSE
- find COVID-19 Irish Sign Language (ISL) resources available from the HSE
If you feel unwell on a public holiday, the weekend or in the evening, the GP out of hours service can refer you for a test too. The GP referral and test are both free of charge. Most people will get a test appointment within 24 hours.
HSE Track and Trace explain how track and trace works on this Youtube video.
If you're a close contact of a person that tests positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus) you need to get tested for COVID-19. You also need to restrict your movements (stay at home) for 14 days.
You can stop restricting your movements when both apply:
- You have a negative test (COVID-19 not detected) 10 days after you were last in contact with the person who tested positive.
- You do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
People who test positive and/or who have symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate in a room on their own and avoid other people. This will help stop the spread of the virus.
Contact tracers will advise close contacts to restrict their movements for 14 days and arrange a COVID-19 test. People who test positive and/or who have symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate in a room on their own and avoid other people. This will help stop the spread of the virus.
GP out of hours services are available throughout the country. You can find contact details for your local GP Out of Hours Service at HSE.ie.
The test that children have is simpler than the test adults have. Their test sample is taken using a nasal swab. It's easier and quicker for your child. The illustrated guide for children is available here.
Find more information on tests for children at HSE.ie.
COVID Tracker is a free app for your mobile phone. It will help us to protect each other and slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ireland.
If you use the app you will be alerted if you have been in close contact with another app user who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Using the COVID Tracker app along with the existing public health measures will help us all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel.
Learn more at COVID Tracker app.
Useful resources for Travellers and Roma in relation to COVID-19 are available from Pavee Point.
Covid 19 World Service is a joint initiative of Nasc and Together Ireland aimed at providing up-to-date and accurate public health information to migrants living in Ireland. The initiative has created COVID-19 information videos in Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, English, Hindi, Kurdish, Macedonian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Serbian, Spanish, Urdu and Yoruba.
Learn more at nascireland.org.
A new national free phone bereavement support line has been launched by the Irish Hospice Foundation in conjunction with the HSE. The national free phone service, 1800 80 70 77 is available Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm.
The support line aims to provide a confidential space for people to speak about their experience or ask questions relating to bereavement. Callers will be listened to with compassion and be provided with emotional support and information on any practical issues that may be helpful. Read more about the new Bereavement Support line here.
There are lots that parents and those caring for children can do to support them through this tough time – helping them to better understand, cope and even make a positive contribution for others.
The HSE has helpful information for parents and children on the COVID-19 measures; including information on protecting your child, childcare for essential workers, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and what to do if your child has symptoms.
You can learn more at HSE.ie.
HSE have a very useful video on how to help your children learn to wash their hands during this time at this Youtube link.
Advice for parents on talking to children and young people about COVID-19 is available from the Department of Education and Skills and UNICEF.
RTÉ's news2day has devised a COVID-19 dictionary for children, you can learn more at RTE.ie.
Please note that these are international stories and some public health measures referenced may differ from measures currently in place in Ireland.
My Hero is You, a story developed for and by children around the world, offers a way for children and parents to together think about the questions the pandemic raises. The story is designed to be read by a parent, caregiver or teacher alongside a child or a small group of children. The story is also available in a range of languages at IASC.
Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for 5 to 9 year olds, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds, developed by publisher Nosy Crow with expert input, you can read the book at Nosy Crow.
The Ombudsman for Children’s Office has put together some useful information on COVID-19 for children and young people.
