Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1479. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will explain the stated position of the acting Chief Medical Officers that Covid is endemic; if he will publish the scientific basis for same given that the World Health Organization has stated that Covid is not endemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41958/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 continues to pose significant challenge to population health as well as health and social care services both in Ireland and internationally. While the pandemic is not over, countries including Ireland are transitioning beyond the acute phase of the pandemic to a sustainable and integrated longer-term approach. Although there continues to be uncertainty as to the future trajectory of the disease, it is anticipated that COVID-19 will continue to represent a risk to population health.
The importance of on-going vigilance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and specifically in relation to the coming autumn/winter period, has also been signalled through international guidance and communications, such as from the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The national pandemic response will continue to be monitored and informed by the evolving disease epidemiology and evidence.
