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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2020

Wednesday, 9 December 2020

Questions (224)

Neale Richmond

Question:

224. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to making the wearing of face coverings compulsory in gyms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42401/20]

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Written answers

As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to Covid-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to Covid-19, including for face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. 

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a person, without reasonable excuse, must wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers. Face coverings are also recommended in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, in crowded workplaces, places of worship and in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation.  Additionally, facemasks should be worn in restaurants and cafes (including pubs that serve food and hotel restaurants.

Wearing of face coverings is also recommended in the following circumstances, by people visiting the homes of those who are over 70 years of age or who are medically vulnerable by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are over 70 years of age who are medically vulnerable and if you are travelling in a vehicle with someone you don't live with.  

The relevant regulations in relation to face coverings are outlined below and can be viewed at   https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/.

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 512/2020)

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid19) (Face Coverings in certain premises and businesses) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 511/2020)

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Small Public Service Vehicles and Certain Premises) Regulations 2020 S.I. (No. 569 of 2020)

- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Certain Premises and Businesses) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 571 of 2020)  

The current face covering advice is available at

- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html.

- http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings. 

Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 190.
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