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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Ceisteanna (759)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

759. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the steps persons with asthma and other breathing difficulties should take in respect of face masks; and the way in which they can avoid penalties for not wearing a mask. [17353/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department appreciates the challenges experienced by those who have asthma and other breathing difficulties.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis.

NPHET advises the wearing of a non-medical face covering in a number of circumstances which include:

- when on public transport

- when in indoor public areas including retail outlets

- by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning

- by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning

- all visitors to residential care facilities and

- in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance

Individual judgement or preference should be used to consider the wearing of face coverings in other environments.

It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and to wash hands before putting them on and taking them off.

On the 15th 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 are communicating 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 the HSE website.

As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 10 July 2020, having consulted with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Justice and Equality, I signed the Health Act (Covid-19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020. The regulations provide that, from 13 July 2020, members of the public shall not, without reasonable excuse, travel by public transport without wearing a face covering.

Reasonable excuse includes where a person:

- cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress

- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating

- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person

- removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury

- removes the face covering to take medication

The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13 years. It is a matter for the person using the transport service to demonstrate that they have a reasonable excuse.

The Government has now also agreed to the mandatory wearing of face coverings in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres. Retail staff will also be obliged to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Work on the development of relevant Regulations has commenced and it is likely that similar "reasonable excuse" provisions will apply.

As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. I can assure you that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of the NPHET has also been proactively examining all relevant evidence relating to the virus and the issue of face coverings. The EAG has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority to prepare a revised and updated evidence synthesis on face coverings and I have been informed that this paper is expected to be finalised shortly.

The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:

https://www.gov.ie/facecoverings

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html

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