Robert Troy
Ceist:754. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the guidance for those aged 70 years of age or over, in particular when those within this age category can return to work. [14154/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 July 2020
Ceisteanna (754)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, those over 70 and the extremely medically vulnerable are at a very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and are advised to follow cocooning measures in order to keep themselves safe. However, it is important that people who are cocooning feel empowered to exercise their own judgement regarding the extent to which they consider the cocooning guidance is appropriate to their individual circumstances.
For people in very high risk groups, such as the over 70s, who wish to visit others, receive visitors in their home, attend shops, and engage in other activities, it is recommended that they (and their visitors) maintain strict hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, continue to adhere to the physical distancing guidance of 2 metres, avoid touching surfaces and clean surfaces touched by visitors, and ideally use face coverings when attending the shops or other busy public areas.
Those in high risk groups who are planning to travel within and outside their region should acquaint themselves with the level of transmission of the virus in the relevant area, and consider how best to protect themselves. The latest statistics can be found on the COVID-19 Data Hub: https://covid19ireland-geohive.hub.arcgis.com/
I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” which was published on 9 May, 2020. 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. This Protocol is mandatory, and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy. Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets the standard set of measures to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is tasked with providing advice and support to employers and employees on what and how COVID-19 measures are applied in the workplace. If you would like any further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
Further information on high risk groups and practical guidance for those cocooning is available from the Government and the HSE at the following links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/923825-guidance-on-cocooning-to-protect-people-over-70-years-and-those-extr/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/cocooning.html