Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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769. To ask the Minister for Health if longer notice will be given to businesses when announcing changes to Covid-19 restrictions to prevent unnecessary losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28857/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge the huge strain placed upon many business during the current pandemic. I am particularly conscious of the enormous impact of recent Level 3 measures on the hospitality sector, including in relation to potential losses relating to perishable goods when the measures come into effect. In making its decisions, Government is conscious of the need to balance advice from NPHET with broader societal and economic considerations.

However, as the Deputy is aware, the NPHET makes recommendations to Government on the basis of the prevailing epidemiological situation and this has been shown to change rapidly. The very nature of this virus does mean that quick and decisive action can need to be taken to break chains of transmission and to prevent the situation deteriorating further. These actions are taken to reduce the risk to public health and to protect the most vulnerable. We have seen during the first wave and again more recently that the growth rate of this disease, if mitigating actions aren't taken, is exponential so it important that actions are taken when needed in a timely manner.