Róisín Shortall
Question:1152. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the recommended standard for CO2 monitors for use by the public; and the steps being taken to publicise this. [53386/21]
View answerTuesday, 2 November 2021
Questions (1152)
Written answers
Notwithstanding sector specific guidance published by the relevant departments and agencies, there is no specific NPHET recommendation for members of the public to utilise CO2 monitors in their everyday lives.
The absence of a specific recommendation on this matter is not a barrier for those who wish to use such equipment.
For further information on CO2 monitors, I would point the Deputy to the Expert Group on Ventilation's (Department of the Taoiseach) second report available at the link below. This report provides broad information on the utility and general use of such devices:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/aa43c-expert-group-on-the-role-of-ventilation-in-reducing-transmission-of-covid-19/.
With regard to current public health advice on COVID-19, communications and messaging continues to focus on easily implementable practices and the basic protective steps that individuals can take. The Deputy’s attention is drawn, in this regard, to information directed at the public on the HSE website on how COVID-19 is spread and how individuals can protect themselves and others from the airborne spread of the virus www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/how-coronavirus-spread/.
The Minister for Health and the NPHET’s representatives also publicise, at every available opportunity and through targeted communications campaigns, the key practical steps that members of the public can take to protect both themselves and others, including:
- avoiding small, crowded, poorly ventilated/stuffy spaces as much as possible;
- opening windows, doors, and air vents to increase airflow; and
- meeting up outdoors where possible.
These basic steps, alongside adherence to our fundamental public health measures of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, mask wearing as appropriate, and seeking a test as necessary remain the key actions members of the public can take to reduce the risk of contracting/spreading COVID-19.
In its most recent advice of 18 October, the NPHET emphasised the importance of the continuation of non-pharmaceutical interventions currently in place across sectors such as the use of face masks as appropriate, improved ventilation in closed spaces and physical distancing measures until February 2022. The NPHET further recommended that sector specific guidance, protocols and communications be reviewed and strengthened where necessary. The letter is available to read here:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/ba4aa0-letters-from-the-cmo-to-the-minister-for-health/.