Written answers

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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1441. To ask the Minister for Health the guidance that has been given for visiting of care homes and other residential homes for the elderly and disabled in the new plan for lifting of restrictions; if there is a plan in place to cover all care homes throughout the country for limits of which family and friends, limits on numbers of visitors at one time and restrictions in place in the event of a Covid-19 case being present in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43063/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has recently published updated guidance on visiting in long-term residential care: COVID-19: Normalising Visiting in Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs). This guidance came into effect on 19 July 2021 and is available on the HPSC website at www.hpsc.ie

The public health advice is to restore visiting to near normal in terms of frequency of visits in those settings, with a high level of vaccination of residents as quickly as possible, while also recognising the need to remain cautious as we continue to deal with the evolving risks associated with COVID-19.

The new guidance provides that:

- Providers should put in place the necessary measures to progress to more normalised visiting and visiting frequency as quickly as possible in line with public health guidance with no more than two visitors at any one time.

- Routine visiting will no longer need to be scheduled in advance.

- There is no requirement to have a list of nominated visitors.

- The duration of the visit should not be limited.

- Fewer restrictions will apply to residents going on outings or visits outside of the nursing home.

Notwithstanding the current positive epidemiological outlook and the cautious reopening of society, risks continue to remain and emergent risks such as variants of concern present ongoing challenges and the need for vigilance. Visiting arrangements should continue to take account of general public health advice and the necessary infection prevention and control measures, to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities. This is particularly important in the context of the increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant. This new variant poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination.

Visitors are reminded of their responsibilities with regard to self-checks for COVID-19 in advance of visits, infection and prevention control and social interaction with all individuals, while in the nursing home.

I have recently communicated with all nursing homes in Ireland, advising them of the current guidelines. 

The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges

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