Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1880. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the various Covid-19-related public information campaigns run by his Department to date; and the number that relate specifically on the way to properly wear a face covering and to dispose and wash face masks appropriately. [15764/21]
View answerMy Department has invested in significant public health campaigns to ensure that all members of the community are aware of the public health guidelines, and the significant work carried out by the NPHET.
On 16 March 2020, in response to COVID-19, my Department acknowledged the importance of people maintaining their wellbeing to help them push through this unprecedented outbreak and the months that follow. With regards to this, a national wellbeing initiative was launched in April 2020. The Healthy Ireland team in my Department, together with the HSE and Government Information Systems (GIS), led the collaborative development and delivery of the Government’s COVID-19 wellbeing campaign ‘In This Together’ to promote cross-Departmental resources and initiatives to support health and wellbeing during this challenging time.
The #Inthistogether Wellbeing and Mental Health campaign featured radio advertising and social media activity to raise awareness about the need for social distancing in support of people who are visually impaired and people with disabilities.
My Department also produced a radio ad campaign to promote awareness of the introduction of regulations making the completion of the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form compulsory. The campaign was launched on 28 May 2020 and ran for two weeks across more than 30 radio stations including national, regional and local broadcasters.
Also during the ongoing pandemic, my Department has produced a TV campaign to promote safe shopping habits during the COVID-19 crisis in April and May of 2020.
With regards to my Departments social media campaign, one item of social media advertising is planned for 2021. This is the continuation of the KEEP WELL campaign into 2021 which will be used to promote 4 videos which includes promoting the correct use of face masks.
Furthermore, my Departments regular NPHET press conferences provide a substantial opportunity to respond to media queries and to raise the profile of the key public health campaigns required to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the importance of the wearing of face coverings in shops, crowded outdoor spaces, on public transport and indoor communal working spaces.
On Thursday 7th January, the Chief Medical Officer took the opportunity to highlight the possible misuse in the wearing of face coverings and to advise people to review the guidance on how to wear a face covering which is available on the gov.ie and HSE.ie websites. For example: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-safe-use-of-face-coverings/ and https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-coverings-masks-and-covid-19/when-to-wear.html#when-to-wear.
To support the ongoing public health guidance by the NPHET, my Department’s Press and Communications unit works closely with the HSE Communications team to raise the awareness further with regards to these campaigns amongst the general public. In June 2020, the HSE engaged a public awareness campaign around wearing masks / face coverings.
As this question also relates directly to the Health Service Executive, I have asked them to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
