Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
982. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if the mandatory use of face masks for those who suffer with respiratory illnesses and the deaf community will be waived in favour of plastic face shields. [18407/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1036. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if face shields are considered a sufficient substitute for persons in indoor locations such as shops or on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18859/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 982 and 1036 together.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department appreciates the concerns raised around face coverings with regard to those who suffer from respiratory illnesses or are deaf or hard of hearing.
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/face coverings 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.
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.
In certain circumstances, for example, in situations where facial expressions are essential such as working with those with hearing loss and lip reading is required or for people who have other medical conditions, face shields may be a preferred option. In general, visors are not recommended as there is a concern that lack of an adequate facial seal around the mouth and nose may allow airborne transmission of the virus.
I understand that the Irish Deaf Society and Chime, in partnership with the HSE, have prepared resources for use by healthcare workers and deaf or hard of hearing patients. There has also been collaboration on guidelines for staff, communication supports and videos in Irish Sign Language. Further information can be found at the following link: www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-irish-sign-language-isl-resources/covid-19-irish-sign-language-isl-resources.html.
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 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.
