David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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305. To ask the Minister for Health the impact of the two-metre rule on acute hospital capacity; the actual loss of capacity, by hospital and by hospital group in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17899/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE have published a Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’. This document was published on 8 June and can be found at the following link:

The implementation of the Framework will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated and phased manner. It will consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. While not all services can return to previous levels immediately, many health services have already resumed, particularly for priority cases. The HSE are currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system.

With regard to the specific impact of social distancing measures on hospital capacity for each hospital site, I have asked the HSE to provide this information to the Deputy directly.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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306. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the capacity for testing and tracing for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17900/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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307. To ask the Minister for Health the additional healthcare workforce capacity brought into the public system since February 2020 to deal with Covid-19 by category (details supplied), by staff group, hospital and hospital group; the full-year cost of retaining the work force capacity in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17901/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A number of initiatives were taken to maximise the healthcare workforce in the face of COVID-19. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the results of the actions taken.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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308. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the limitations placed on visiting nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17903/20]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents and have a range of legal responsibilities under the regulatory framework, including the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013.

It is recognised that the impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable. Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction.

Visitor guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community. The latest guidance which was published on Wednesday 22 July comes into effect on 29 July 2020.