The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business was published by the Government earlier this month to ease the COVID 19 restrictions and to reopen Ireland’s economy and society in a phased manner.
The roadmap advises that in re-starting economic activity not all the population should go back to the workplace at the same time, with an initial focus on less endangered groups and sectors that are essential to facilitate economic activity.
To complement the Roadmap, a National Protocol to protect the health and safety of workers has been developed. The "Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers" published earlier this month sets out information for vulnerable workers.
The Protocol advises that if an at risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres. However, employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible.