‘Surge’ in children being referred for Covid-19 testing

Denis McCauley, said the increase in assessments for children was being experienced across the country. File image.

GPs around the country are reporting a “surge” in the number of children attending for assessment for possible Covid-19, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has confirmed.

Chairman of the IMO GP Committee, Dr Denis McCauley, said the increase in assessments for children was being experienced across the country: “Our GP members right across the country are reporting a very significant increase in request from parents for assessments of their children for possible Covid-19. We had anticipated a development like this following the long-awaited reopening of the schools but we are nevertheless struck by the volume of enquiries being received by members.” The IMO, he said, supported the reopening of schools and that public health doctors were working closely with schools across the country to manage any reported cases of Covid.