Seán Sherlock
Question:193. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied). [17453/20]
View answerWednesday, 22 July 2020
Questions (193)
Written answers
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the extremely medically vulnerable along with those over 70 are at a very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and are advised to follow cocooning measures in order to keep themselves safe. However, it is important that people who are cocooning feel empowered to exercise their own judgement regarding the extent to which they consider the cocooning guidance is appropriate to their individual circumstances.
Practical guidance and information concerning high risk groups and those cocooning is available from the Government and the HSE at the following links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/923825-guidance-on-cocooning-to-protect-people-over-70-years-and-those-extr/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/cocooning.html
I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” which was published on 9 May, 2020. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. This Protocol is mandatory, and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy. Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets the standard set of measures to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is tasked with providing advice and support to employers and employees on what and how COVID-19 measures are applied in the workplace. If you would like any further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.