Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
673. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the definition of a close contact in healthcare settings; if the definition changes for different categories of healthcare workers; the way in which the definition might differ from the definition of a close contact for cases in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39803/20]
View answer674. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the quarantining and self-isolation protocols for a close contact in healthcare settings; if the definition changes for different categories of healthcare workers; the way in which the definition might differ from the quarantining and self-isolation protocols for a close contact of cases in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39804/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 673 and 674 together.
The HSE has developed an extensive range of occupational health guidance for health care workers who are exposed to COVID-19 which is available on the HSE website. This includes a detailed risk assessment of Healthcare Workers with Potential Workplace Exposure to Covid-19, which was updated most recently on the 24th October. Details can be found here:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/workplace-health-and-wellbeing-unit/covid-19-guidance/
Subject to local risk assessment, the guidance provides for derogation in certain circumstances for health care workers who are restricting their movements due to, for example, close contact with a COVID-19 case and who have been identified as essential to critical service needs. This may also apply to ‘essential’ HCWs entering the Island of Ireland. Details can be found here:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/workplace-health-and-wellbeing-unit/covid-19-guidance/derogation-for-the-return-to-work-of-healthcare-workers1.pdf.
Please note that this derogation is provided with the express purpose of ensuring safe staffing levels and should only be provided if an area cannot be staffed safely or a critical skill set to provide critical/essential services is unavailable.
