Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
513. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the roll-out of instructions supposedly being given to drivers on public transport by management to allow family groupings to sit together on buses creates health concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13375/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is no doubt aware public transport should only be used for essential journeys and it is advisable to avoid peak-time travel whenever possible. It is also important to note that you should not use public transport if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid19. You should self-isolate and contact your GP immediately.
The Deputy may wish to note that when travelling on public transport with people who are not from the same household, current public health measures such as keeping 2 metres apart from other people when boarding, alighting and while on board and observing proper cough and respiratory etiquette should be adhered to. When travelling on public transport with people from the same household, however, it is not considered feasible that the 2 metre physical distancing measure be observed.
On 15 June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and will communicate to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and
- how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and on the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
Further information on public transport and Covid19 is available on the Department of Tourism, Transport & Sport at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed29dc-irelands-response-to-covid-19-transport-measures/#public-transport-rail-and-bus and from the National Transport Authority's website https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/covid-19-service-information-update/
