Michael Ring
Question:2031. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the matters included in the National Pandemic Management Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19632/21]
View answerWednesday, 21 April 2021
Questions (2031)
Written answers
Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September and sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas. On 23rd February, 2021, the Government published the revised plan: Covid 19 Resilience & Recovery 2021. These plans encapsulate the national strategy for management of the COVID19 pandemic.
The Plan for Living with COVID- 19 continues to provide an appropriate mechanism to guide decision-making, is supplemented by more detailed sectoral guidance in relation to measures that apply at each level of the Framework. 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.
Covid 19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead reviews the learnings from our experience to date, considers the enormous impacts our efforts to manage and suppress the disease have had on our economy and on our society and sets out a cautious and measured approach to the easing of restrictions over the coming months.
Level 5 restrictive measures currently remain in place. Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19 and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The Government announced a slight easing of restrictions from 12 April in recognition of the significant impact that the extended period of Level 5 restrictions is having on people. The focus of this easing of measures is on enabling more outdoor activities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of society. The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The NPHET and the Government will consider the position again at the end of this month and it is anticipated that a roadmap for the further easing of measures over the coming months will be agreed.