James Browne
Ceist:470. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when employees that are cocooning will be advised to return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12170/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 June 2020
Ceisteanna (470)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7ae99f-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-june-8-phase-2/
The Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. On 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place when Phase 3 is introduced on 29 June 2020. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.
On 9 May the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” was published. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. It is designed to be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the HSE’s advice available at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/cocooning.html and the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) 'Guidance on cocooning to protect people over 70 years and those extremely medically vulnerable from COVID-19' offers practical assistance as we move through a new phase of the roadmap and advises that people who are at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should continue to protect themselves and stay at home as much as possible to minimise all non-essential contact with people who are not cocooning themselves.
From the 29 June, 2020, as part of the easing of restrictions in Phase 3, some of this advice will change and those cocooning or medically vulnerable should use their own judgement to decide how best to apply the above guidance to their own personal circumstances.
Further information on the easing of restrictions as part of Phase 3 is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/