Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
457. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to easing restrictions on nursing home visits to permit fully vaccinated residents to leave their care homes for walks with visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29114/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre published new visiting guidance on 23rd April, which came into effect on 4th May. The new guidance provides additional opportunities for residents in long-term residential care facilities to receive visits and participate in social and recreational outings. Residents may now be facilitated to receive four routine visits per week. This is possible following two weeks after the full vaccination of approximately 8 out of 10 of all residents in the nursing home. In the absence of a high level of vaccination of residents, two visits per week should be facilitated unless there are critical or compassionate circumstances that require increased frequency of visiting.
Residents in nursing homes may be facilitated to partake in social and recreational outings, subject to risk assessment by the Person in Charge and a high level of vaccination in the nursing home. All outings and activities should continue to fully align and comply with the wider public health measures in place at the given time. In particular, residents and visitors should continue to observe social distancing, practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette, and wear face coverings in public spaces.
Visiting by the resident to a private home outside of their nursing home is also possible and should comply with public health restrictions that apply to the general public at the time.
Outdoor visiting where safe distance can be maintained is low risk and can be facilitated at all times. Outdoor visits will require suitable facilities; capacity to accommodate and support the visit and the visits will also generally need to be arranged in advance.
At all times, regardless of vaccination status, residents must be accommodated when they have essential business to conduct. This includes a visit to the post office, bank, legal services or critical personal requirements, such as that related to the death of a family member or a visit to a family grave. A copy of the latest guidance can be accessed at www.hpsc.ie
Although the situation in nursing homes has greatly improved, the risk associated with COVID-19 remains very real. There is still a risk of introduction of infection, including the possibility of a new variant of COVID-19, against which the vaccine may be less effective. Therefore, caution remains appropriate. At all times vigilance on the general infection prevention and control measures must be maintained and public health advice must continue to be followed, including when visiting, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities.
I have written to HIQA and all nursing home providers to emphasise the need to ensure visits take place to the greatest extent possible, in line with the guidance. I have also encouraged providers to communicate frequently and clearly with residents and families in relation to visiting.
The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges.
