"I would also urge caution when participating in activities with classmates outside the school environment."
There have been 1,293 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland on Monday.
The figures released from the Department of Health on Monday revealed that there have now been 5,092 Covid-19 related deaths throughout the country since the pandemic began.
The Department of Health's statement said the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation.
As of 8am on Monday, 382 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 61 are in ICU
CMO Dr Tony Holohan said on Monday that schools are "not a major source of disease transmission" as many children returned to school today.
"As many children return to classrooms across the country today, it is important to highlight to both children and their parents that considerable preparations have been made across the country to reopen schools safely," he said.
"Our data clearly shows that, to date, the school environment was not a major source of disease transmission.
"Parents, please keep in mind the symptoms to look out for and do not send your child to school if they display any of them, instead help them to isolate and contact you GP for advice and arrange a test if appropriate."
The CMO also encouraged children to be cautious when meeting friends outside of school environments which he described as settings where "outbreaks" have occurred frequently in the past.
"I would also urge caution when participating in activities with classmates outside the school environment, which have proven to be settings where outbreaks and transmission in children have occurred in the past.
"This will help to prevent further transmission and potential outbreaks."
Main Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie.
