Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1574. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health to report on the Hello Again World campaign; how this campaign is supporting Covid-19 safety for older and immunocompromised people; the way the campaign's messaging is informing older and immunocompromised people about Covid-19 safety measures they can take while socialising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17293/23]
View answerIreland has transitioned from a focus on regulation and population wide restrictions to a focus on public health advice, personal judgement and personal protective behaviours. As we learn to live with COVID-19, the critical components of our collective and layered response remain. A broad range of public health guidance has been published online to assist the public in assessing and managing the risk of COVID-19 with regard to their personal circumstances. This guidance serves to inform and empower individuals to assess risks and appropriately re-engage with social activity, return to the workplace, and resume other aspects of their lives.
The gov.ie website provides guidance on public health advice in place at present. This guidance is updated regularly and is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3361b-public-health-updates/.
The HSE also has a dedicated webpage on COVID-19, available here: www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/ The HSE Live COVID-19 Helpline is also open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm Lo-call 1850 24 1850 or Phone 01 240 8787.
The Department of Health, through the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, together with colleagues in the HSE and the National Virus Reference Laboratory, continues to monitor the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 carefully.
Healthy Ireland developed a nationwide campaign, aimed at older people, encouraging them to rebuild their social connections. This campaign was created in response to the increase in loneliness which particularly impacts older people who may not have fully re-integrated into their communities after the pandemic.
Evidence shows loneliness is a significant issue for population health and a number of different studies have linked loneliness to multiple chronic health conditions. Loneliness levels in Ireland are rising, and the pandemic was a major contributory factor.
Loneliness can be detrimental for our physical and mental health, while reconnecting with others has numerous physical and mental health benefits. Post-pandemic, with vaccines and sensible precautions, it is safe for older people to reconnect with the world. To say, “Hello Again World”, make up for lost time and re-establish important connections with their community.
Community Covid-19 Testing centres and the self-referral portal for ordering PCR tests closed on the 30th of March as they have been deemed unnecessary.
The most recent advices regarding Covid-19 precautions are as follows:
• The best way to protect against COVID-19 is to ensure you are up-to-date with your primary and booster vaccines and to continue to follow the public health advice - staying at home when you are sick, wearing your mask, cleaning your hands and coughing or sneezing into elbows.
• All vaccinations can be booked through the HSE website.
• Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved – please do not attend any social events, work, school or college if you have symptoms.
• Mask wearing is advised on public transport and in healthcare settings. Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment.
• Individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19, should be aware of the risk associated with activities they may choose to engage in and take measures to optimally protect themselves. Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as may relate, for example, to social gatherings or other activities and events.
• Continue to practise good hand and respiratory hygiene by washing and sanitising hands regularly and coughing/sneezing into your elbow. Maintain a physical distance where possible.
• Meet up outdoors if possible. When meeting indoors, avoid poorly ventilated spaces and keep windows open if possible.
