Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
582. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he has considered sending each household a set of antigen tests and face masks that meet European standards due to the rising case numbers of Covid-19 at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56947/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the evidence relating to COVID-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to COVID-19, including face coverings and testing is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my department and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
The current advice regarding face coverings, including the circumstances in which it is mandatory to wear a face covering, is available at: www.gov.ie/facecoverings/ Guidance on type and standard of face mask is available on the HSE website at Types of face coverings, masks and visors - HSE.ie Guidance on how and where to wear face coverings is also available on the HSE website at Face masks: when and how to wear one - HSE.ie.
The role of testing and contact tracing, as part of the wider public health response, has been under ongoing review throughout the pandemic and will continue to be reviewed and amended in line with the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population and ECDC guidance. This includes reviewing the role, availability and usage of antigen testing on an ongoing basis. The HSE already has information relating to antigen testing published on its website and a central system for recording of results from antigen testing as part of the programmes is already underway.
Current public health advice to the public, including households, emphasises the following set of measures for protection. It is advised to follow the combination of multiple measures rather than emphasising any one measure in isolation.
- Those of us who are symptomatic must stay home, self-isolate and get a PCR test
- Any of us who are close contacts of a confirmed case need to restrict movement and stay at home for 5 days
- Everyone needs to minimise their chances of coming into contact with the virus. This means actively reducing the number of people we meet and layering up on the public health precautions which actively reduce the risk of transmission:
Get your vaccine and your booster
Wash your hands well and often
Wear masks, and correctly
Open windows
Avoid crowds
