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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2021

Thursday, 18 February 2021

Questions (262)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

262. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9101/21]

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Written answers

As you will be aware, Ireland is at level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. This 5-level framework sets out what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services, at that moment in time.

The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others. It is not possible to say what public health measures will be in place in the future. The public health advice relating to Covid-19 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.

The various limits at all levels in the Government's Plan and the continuing imposition of public health measures are necessary to reduce transmission of COVID-19 through a reduction in the movement of people, congregation and interactions.

Under the current public health measures at level 5, people should stay at home except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes and are permitted to take exercise within 5km of home. Further information on travel restrictions within Ireland is available here:- https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#travel-restrictions

It is important to emphasise, that any essential travel should be undertaken with due regard to public health safety measures.

At level 5, Religious Services can take place online and places of worship may remain open for private prayer. You may wish to note that comprehensive guidelines are in place to ensure that religious services can take place safely when they recommence:- https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/religioussettingsguidance/

Further information on religious services can be found on gov.ie here:-https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#religious-services

Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

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