Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
460. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to providing free medical grade facemasks to at risk vulnerable sections of the community, for example, through the medical card scheme or the public health nursing network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12090/20]
View answer569. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health the number for persons considered to be in the vulnerable group within the population; and if he will consider providing this group with appropriate masks. [12638/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 569 together.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) provided guidance in relation to face coverings in its advice to Government in relation to Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Business & Society on 4 June.
The NPHET advice sets out circumstances under which the wearing of a non-medical face covering is recommended. These are when using busy public transport, when in indoor public areas including retail outlets, by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning, by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning, all visitors to residential care facilities and in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance. The wearing of face coverings in other environments should incorporate individual judgement or preference or where it is difficult to maintain a 2-metre distance.
Medical-grade face masks are not currently recommended for use by members of the general public. Based on current advice, there are no plans at present to provide medical-grade face masks through the medical card scheme or the public health nursing network.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and to wash hands before putting them on and taking them off.
A national communications campaign was launched on 15 June which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and will communicate to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and
- how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
The NPHET keeps the position on the wearing of face coverings under continual review.
