Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
540. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there is updated public health advice for choirs; if they will be allowed to practice singing together outdoors; and if so, the public health advice for them. [12492/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government previously confirmed the move to Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at http://www.gov.ie/phase2.
The Deputy may wish to note that under The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 206 of 2020) which came into operation from 8 June 2020 until 29 June 2020, groups of up to 15 people who are not from the same household are allowed to meet outdoors for social, recreational and exercise activities.
These measures also provide that you should not travel beyond your county, or 20 kilometres from where you live if crossing county boundaries, to participate in any social, recreational and exercise activities.
It is also advised that if a person is at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, they should continue to protect themselves and stay at home as much as possible to minimise all nonessential contact with other people.
The Government agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. On 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place when Phase 3 is introduced on 29 June 2020. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.
As evidence is emerging internationally of a potential increased risk of transmission of Covid19 linked to group singing, extra public health measures have been developed as part of Phase 3 for choirs and other groups to carry out a risk assessment and ensure that the communal spaces of venues, amenities and activities operate in line with physical distancing and the mass gatherings restrictions applying in Phase 3 and Phase 4. Further information on these specific recommendations is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=7
Information on the easing of the Covid19 restrictions as part of Phase 3 is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/
