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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021

Wednesday, 5 May 2021

Questions (597)

Michael McNamara

Question:

597. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the data that is being utilised to justify the continued restrictions on outdoor activities including sports given the HSPC data that 0.1% of overall Covid-19 cases have been traced to outdoor activity to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22977/21]

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Written answers

There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.

In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.

The Government announcement focused in particular on permitted additional outdoor activities, outdoor work and outdoor training. As of May 10, 3 households or 6 people can meet in a private garden while 15 people can meet for organised outdoor gatherings and training. From 7 June, subject to the public health situation at the time, outdoor sport matches can be played with no spectators and outdoor hospitality services can recommence.

As the Deputy may be aware, the NPHET has consistently advised that outdoor settings are considerably safer than indoor ones based on national and international evidence. This was a key informing principle in the development of the 5 level framework of public health measures last September and in recent Government decisions in relation to easing public health measures. It is important to note, however, that while outdoors is safer, it is not risk-free. It is important to continue to practice social distancing and other safe behaviours when meeting people outdoors and masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces.

HIQA undertook an evidence review on higher-risk environments and activities for the NPHET in November 2020, drawing on national and international evidence. The Review found that while there is consistent evidence that the risk of outdoor transmission of COVID-19 is substantially lower, there is still evidence of transmission occurring in outdoor environments. This is particularly the case when there are large gatherings, where social distancing or the use of face coverings are neglected, and where there is dense congregation and mixing among groups. There are also risks linked to what might precede and follow outdoor gatherings including associated events and activities and shared travel to or from events or activities. The review is available here (https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/activities-or-settings-associated-higher-risk.)

In relation to the data published by the HPSC, the HSE has clarified that this data is limited and will not reflect all cases associated with outside activities. Firstly, it only relates to outbreak data and it is not possible to link every case to a particular outbreak setting. A proportion of cases will also be considered community transmission or are under investigation when the source isn’t known. As such, the surveillance data would not capture all cases potentially associated with an outdoor environment/activity. Secondly, there may be outbreak settings that wouldn’t be considered as “outdoor” environments but where transmission amongst some cases associated with such outbreaks may have occurred outside (e.g. while congregating/socially interacting outside a building and not maintaining physical distancing etc.). Thirdly, there are indoor ancillary activities associated with outdoor activities as set out above (eg travel to/from activity, changing rooms etc.) that won’t be classified as linked to an outdoor event.

It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, this approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.

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