Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
985. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of social protection offices which have been closed and sanitised due to the presentation of Covid-19 positive applicants at public desks applying for the Covid 19 enhanced illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7904/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo offices have been closed because a customer claiming to have COVID19 has presented in the office.
The Department has a specific protocol for cleaning based on Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance.
Where a customer or a member of staff presents with symptoms the area in which they spent time, such as a desk, public counter or toilet will be closed off until it can be cleaned.
The HPSC has issued a guidance document, which sets out the required cleaning standards following confirmation of a case in the workplace. This is adhered to by our cleaning service.
There are two levels of cleaning being used:
Level 1 Daily Sanitisation Cleaning (Prevention) – This is a cleaning service with a focus on sanitisation touch points and communal areas. It is carried out by our onsite cleaning team.
Level 2 One-off preventative deep clean – This is a cleaning service with a focus on deep sanitisation of surfaces and touch points with increased levels of chemicals and PPE. It is carried out by specialist deep cleaning team (by prior arrangement).
A deeper clean (referred to as level 2) will be used where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 or persons who meet the criteria for testing within an office during the last 72 hours.
