Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
1042. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if it is safe for blind persons to use a sighted guide in view of Covid-19 health restrictions; his plans to issue guidance on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18889/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is extremely cognisant of the impact which the emergence of Covid-19 has had on all members of the community, including those with physical disabilities. I note the concerns that have been raised in particular with regard to the public health guidance on social distancing and the challenge this presents for those who are blind or visually impaired.
As we continue to reopen the country safely, every step is being guided by our developing understanding of the disease and the related public health advice.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly evolving. Public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuous review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and is published by my Department and available at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health, by the HSE available at www.hse.ie and by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), published at www.hpsc.ie/.
In recognition of the potential for Covid-19 to impact disproportionately on some members of the community, a Vulnerable Peoples Subgroup of the NPHET has also been established and it includes among its membership the Disability Federation of Ireland, so as to ensure the collective voice of the disability sector is appropriately represented.
To recall, the public health advice which applies to all of us is to:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty
- practice good respiratory hygiene, that is, when coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- maintain physical distancing, that is, leave at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 is regular hand washing and good respiratory hygiene.
Furthermore, any individuals providing assistance to blind persons should be aware of the public health guidance, and should not provide guidance if they themselves are unwell or have been in recent contact with a case of Covid-19, and should wear face coverings if unable to maintain physical distancing.
In addition, the NPHET has provide advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis and 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.
Cloth face coverings are not recommended for children under the age of 13. This is because young children may not follow advice about wearing a mask correctly and avoiding touching it.
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.
The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:
www.gov.ie/facecoverings.
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html.
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.
In relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy with regard to sighted guides, I have asked the HSE to to review existing guidance and supports to see if further guidance for blind persons is required in the context of Covid 19. I would also note that it is advisable that any individuals providing assistance to blind persons should also be aware of the public health guidance, and not attempt to provide support of this kind if they themselves are unwell or have been in recent contact with a case of Covid19, and should wear face coverings if unable to maintain physical distancing.
