Holly Cairns
Question:168. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has been detected in meat processing plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62385/21]
View answerWednesday, 15 December 2021
Questions (168)
Written answers
As of the 13th December 2021, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre have confirmed the identification of ten cases of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern through whole-genome sequencing. All appropriate public health actions are being taken in relation to these cases, including enhanced contact tracing.
My Department cannot comment on the circumstances of individual Omicron cases which have arisen as to do so would breach the duty of confidentiality to the individuals concerned, particularly with the currently low number of cases.
A number of actions have been swiftly implemented to limit potential spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron). The actions agreed by Government are intended to limit spread of this variant while further evidence emerges relating to its transmissibility and the impact it has on disease severity, vaccines and treatments.
Regulations are now in place which require travellers from scheduled countries to present evidence of a “not-detected” result from a RT-PCR test taken not more than 72 hours before arrival in the country. On arrival, they are required to complete a period of home quarantine at the address declared on the passenger locator form for 14 days and seek a PCR test from the HSE on Day 2 and Day 8. Following two negative PCR test results, arriving passenger may exit home quarantine on Day 10.
Immediate actions have included a review conducted by the HSE of recent positive cases to identify S-gene target failure (SGTF) (a potential marker for Omicron). All identified cases are being followed up by HSE Public Health and further laboratory investigation takes place as required.
The HSE has put a number of additional measures in place with immediate effect:
- Collection of travel history has been re-introduced for all positive cases and enhanced contact tracing now in place for all detected cases with travel history
- Flight contact tracing has been reintroduced
- The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published interim guidance on required actions for all Clinicians, Hospitals and Public Health services in the HSE
- All specimens from positive cases with a recent history of travel are being forwarded for S-gene target failure analysis and for whole genome sequencing if failure detected
The Department of Health, the HSE, the HPSC and the NVRL are meeting regularly to review the evolving situation. The epidemiological situation both here, and internationally, and all emerging evidence in relation to the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, will continue to be kept under close review in respect of potential implications for the pandemic. The measures outlined will continue to be reviewed as necessary.