Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
736. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide advice or information to persons (details supplied) that are being denied the possibility to visit their family members in a nursing home in a safe, secure and socially distant manner in view of the fact they are residents in the home and have not received visitors for over four months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14086/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Government's Roadmap for the re-opening of Society and Business, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has agreed that a phased approach to the recommencement of visiting to long term residential centres would be appropriate at this time. The advice is that a co-ordinated and standard national approach to the recommencement of visiting is taken.
In light of the above , and on the basis that the COVID-19 disease status in the country remains in its current stable condition , the NPHET recommended that from 15th of June, the phased resumption of indoor visiting of residents in residential care facilities may commence in accordance with guidance issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). The guidance which is published and available on the HPSC's website advises that indoor visiting in residential care facilities where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak will be permissible from 15th of 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.
I am aware of how difficult the restrictions on visiting have been for both nursing home residents and their families. Therefore this phased approach is much welcomed as it will both facilitate visits to loved ones across the country, whilst also keeping some of our most vulnerable members of society protected during this challenging time.
