Dr. Ronan Glynn:

On the first part, the good thing about how we approach the flu and other viruses this winter is that many of the measures we take to protect ourselves against Covid are synergistic and will also protect us from those other respiratory illnesses. One of the main issues that we are concerned with and that we will emphasise over the coming months is that of hand hygiene, which the Deputy mentioned. The key issue is something that the Chief Medical Officer referenced already, in that we must have a low index of suspicion for ourselves when we are symptomatic and that we remove ourselves from activities or environments where there are other people if we have any suspicion that we might have the beginnings of a cold or flu. That will be the single strongest action that we can take over this autumn and winter.

Reference has also been made to the need for a national communications campaign over the coming months. While that will be a key part of what we do, what will also be important is that each sector, organisation, club, retail outlet and so on continues to support its staff in isolating when necessary, has hand sanitiser present when necessary and ensures that its environment is well ventilated. All of the basic measures that we have emphasised over the past year will remain important through this winter. Hopefully, they will form part of a cultural shift that will protect us all from these kinds of illness in the years to come.