Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the recommended standard for face masks for use by the public; and the steps being taken to publicise this. [53384/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 November 2021
Ceisteanna (1150)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the evidence relating to COVID-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to COVID-19, including face masks, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my department and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
The current advice regarding face coverings, including the circumstances in which it is mandatory to wear a face covering, is available at: www.gov.ie/facecoverings/.
Guidance on type and standard of face mask is available on the HSE website at Types of face coverings, masks and visors - HSE.ie.
Guidance on how and where to wear face coverings is also available on the HSE website at Face masks: when and how to wear one - HSE.ie.
To inform national efforts in response to COVID-19, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is developing Health Technology Assessment evidence summaries to answer specific research questions posed by the NPHET. HIQA evidence summaries on various topics, including on the use of face masks in the community is available at: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessments.
My Department and the Government has invested in significant public health campaigns to ensure that all members of the community are aware of all public health guidelines relating to COVID 19 including face masks.