Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2021
194. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the scientific data or evidence that supports restricting indoor dining and entry into pubs, night clubs, gigs and indoor facilities for vaccinated persons or the peer reviewed paper that supports these restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56219/21]
View answerThe current high level of COVID-19 infection and the dominance of the significantly more transmissible Delta variant poses a very substantial threat, particularly to those who are not fully protected through vaccination. Public health advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety.
As the Deputy will be aware, a series of decisions were taken over the summer months and more recently so that all aspects of the economy and society have now reopened. However, in line with the public health advice above, access to more high risk activities and settings is restricted to those who have been fully protected by vaccination or who have had a previous COVID-19 infection.
HIQA undertook an evidence review on higher-risk environments and activities for NPHET in November 2020, drawing on national and international evidence. There is a growing body of evidence on the activities or settings associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In particular, there is evidence in relation to the higher risk associated with indoor environments due to the increased likelihood of crowded spaces, prolonged and intense contact with others, poor ventilation, and noise levels, and the higher risk associated with certain activities including dining, drinking, exercising, singing or shouting. The HIQA publication is available online: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/activities-or-settings-associated-higher-risk
