It is important to recognise that the current social distancing measures were introduced for the overarching public health good and for the protection of all people in Ireland, particularly those who are most vulnerable to this virus. We all recognise the unprecedented impact on people’s daily lives and I am aware of how difficult the current restrictions on visiting are for both nursing home residents and their families. However, the current expert guidance should continue to be adhered to.
Appropriate evidence-based guidance to support the work of health and social care providers on a range of issues, including infection prevention and control, has been developed by the HSE and the HPSC and is updated regularly, as appropriate, and made available on their websites. The latest HPSC Interim Public Health and Infection Prevention Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities and Similar Units was published on 2nd June (version 5). These are available on the HPSC website.
This guidance provides the most up to date advice and information on the public health management and infection prevention and control measures, to inform and advise local planning and management in community residential facilities.
The Taoiseach recently announced a Roadmap for the future easing of restrictions on a phased basis. Phase 3, from 29 June, will see the commencement of a phased approach to visiting at hospitals, residential healthcare centres and other residential settings bearing in mind the particular features of types of settings and each individual centre. I am hopeful we will be able to make progress on this and other innovative measures to allow some level of interaction between residents and their families in line with the Roadmap.
