Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
746. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is acceptable for two persons from different households who would normally dance together in a dance studio to create a bubble between themselves that will allow them to continue to dance as partners without socially distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17263/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/.
As part of Phase 3, all remaining community, religious, cultural, social and sport facilities, including dance studios, can now reopen. It is recommended that those responsible for reopening these facilities carry out a risk assessment before reopening to manage the public health risk for their customers, attendees, participants, and staff. The assessment should consider the risk factors for getting COVID-19, that is Distance, Activity, Time and Environment, and include controls such as managed entry, improved hygiene facilities, and regular cleaning to limit these factors. Facilities that reopen should observe physical distancing guidelines and apply the public health checklist to their operation. Further information is available on the government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/#cultural-social-and-sport-measures.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the most important actions that all individuals can take to protect ourselves from COVID-19 are regular hand washing and good respiratory hygiene. Social distancing of 2 metres is also recommended wherever possible. However, as the country reopens and we learn to live with COVID-19, everybody is urged to exercise their own judgement and take personal responsibility for decisions that they make about the risk of infection to themselves and to others in different situations.
In recommencing community, religious, cultural, social and sporting activity, individuals should carry out a risk assessment of the nature of their activity, the particular risks associated with the service, and activities within the overall service, and how they could mitigate those risks for everybody concerned using the Public Health Checklist. Details are available at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=7.
