Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1289. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to and clarify guidance on visitors to nursing homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32939/20]
View answerTuesday, 3 November 2020
Questions (1289)
Written answers
On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines our medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, families, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus.
At Levels 3, 4 and 5 of the Plan, Long Term Residential Care Facilities visiting is suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.
HPSC guidance makes clear that 'window visiting' where a person stands outside and speaks to a person at safe distance through an open window or by telephone is acceptable at any Framework Level and during Outbreaks.
While people are asked to stay at home and exercise within 5km of home at Level 5, exemptions are permitted in a number of situations including for vital family reasons. This is provided for under Regulation 5 (2)(j) of SI 413 of 2020. This can include nursing home visits (including for window visits).
Further information on visiting safely can be found in the HPSC guidance: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/residentialcarefacilities/Guidance%20on%20visitations%20to%20LTRCF.pdf.