Press release
Statement on COVID-19 public health measures - 19 October 2021
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Today, following public health advice, the government has agreed that the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (COVID-19 pass). This will allow us to move forward carefully with Ireland’s plan for the next phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 infection rates are once again increasing along with hospitalisation and ICU admissions. However, thanks to the hard work and exceptional support of the Irish people for the Vaccination Programme, we are in a position to continue our careful and gradual approach to reopening.
We will need to continue to monitor the ongoing risk from the disease and, including through testing and contact tracing as appropriate.
We will all need to take steps individually and collectively in our everyday lives to keep this risk under control, in particular by:
In line with public health advice, the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (COVID-19 pass). The further easing of restrictions planned for 22 October can proceed with the extension of some non-pharmaceutical interventions including use of COVID-19 pass (as set out below) in light of the high level of disease in the community at this point in time and the uncertain trajectory of the disease.
Protective measures include:
Sector-specific guidance and protocols, including with regard to work, hospitality, cultural and sporting events will be reviewed and strengthened where appropriate. Compliance activities will be reinforced by relevant bodies, and through wider public and stakeholder communications. A meeting of the Regulator’s Forum will be convened to discuss further with relevant departments and agencies.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that a booster dose of Comirnaty® (Pfizer) vaccine be offered to all those aged 60 to 79 years who have completed their primary course with any COVID-19 vaccine. The booster dose should ideally be given six months (with a minimum interval of five months) following completion of the primary vaccination schedule.
The Department of Health and the HSE will work to implement these recommendations as soon as possible. NIAC will continue to examine new evidence regarding booster doses in other groups.
NPHET has recommended that:
The current enhanced illness benefit payment arrangements for COVID-19 will remain in place. This benefit is available at a rate of €350 a week, with no waiting days, for employees and self-employed people who are certified by a registered medical practitioner as diagnosed with COVID-19 or a probable source of infection of COVID-19.