Covid app switch-off: Concerns raised about advice to teachers and special needs assistants

Cork-based ASTI president Ann Piggott questioned why there were different circumstances regarding the app for different professions. “If the app supposedly works, why are teachers told to ignore it?”
In doing so, however, staff would not be notified if they are in close proximity to a confirmed case of Covid-19.
In correspondence from a HSE official, seen by The Echo, it is stated: “In regard to teachers and SNAs, I understand that the advice is turn off bluetooth while they are at work.”
Cork-based ASTI president Ann Piggott questioned why there were different circumstances regarding the app for different professions. “If the app supposedly works, why are teachers told to ignore it?”
Official advice for schools says that not all people alerted as close contacts by the HSE Covid tracker app may be actually deemed to be close contacts following a public health risk assessment, but that once the assessment is complete, they will advise people of the public health instructions.
However, the process is taking a considerable amount of time, especially following the news of the collapse of the HSE’s test and trace system last weekend.
Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould said the issue affected his wife, who is a secondary school teacher.