Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
438. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his Department is working with health facilities to deliver measures to allow for some level of visitation by family members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10456/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile visiting restrictions are required in the context of a pandemic situation, national guidance issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and available on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) website advocates a compassionate and practical approach in relation to visiting by friends and family.
A updated guidance document on Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Possible or Confirmed COVID-19 in a Pandemic Setting was published on 3 June 2020. It notes that while visiting restrictions will be required in a pandemic, local risk assessment and practical management must be considered, ensuring the response is both pragmatic and proportionate. Specific scenarios where a compassionate and practical approach is required include care of the dying.
Updated COVID-19 guidance on visitations to Residential Care Facilities was published by the HSE on 5 June 2020 and comes into effect from 15 June next. It sets out the criteria for visiting residential care facilities with no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and for visiting residential care facilities during an outbreak of COVID-19. Indoor visiting in residential care facilities where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak will be permissible from 15 June in circumstances where certain criteria are followed. During an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 within a residential care facility, the guidance advises that all but essential visiting is suspended in the interests of protecting residents, visitors and staff.
