New guidelines reflect higher Covid alert
by Bernard Harbor
 
The acting chief medical officer yesterday (1st October) called on Dublin employers to do more to promote remote working as part of the response to the rising number of cases in the capital.
The acting chief medical officer yesterday (1st October) called on Dublin employers to do more to promote remote working as part of the response to the rising number of cases in the capital.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has brought its advice on work attendance in line with the Government’s guidelines on living with Covid-19, which were published in mid-September.

 

A revised ‘frequently-asked questions’ document, distributed to managers across the civil and public service this week, says that workers in areas designated ‘level three’ in official guidelines should “work from home unless [it’s] absolutely necessary to attend in person.”

 

Staff in areas placed at the lower levels one and two should “work at home if possible,” with those at level two only attending work premises for essential on-site meetings, induction or training.

 

So far, counties Dublin and Donegal have been put at level three, while the rest of the country remains at level two. But there is speculation that other counties may soon be added to the higher level, which carries tougher restrictions on work, travel, public transport and assembly.

 

The development came as the acting chief medical officer yesterday (1st October) called on Dublin employers to do more to promote remote working as part of the response to the rising number of cases in the capital.

 

Answering questions at the Oireachtas special committee on the Covid-19 response, Dr Ronan Glynn said: “Look at the amount of traffic on the roads. It’s hard to believe people have taken the message to heart that they should not be going to work unless it’s absolutely essential.”

 

Last week, Dr Glynn and his Northern Ireland counterpart jointly called on employers either side of the northern border to facilitate remote working to help beat the virus. 

 

Phase three restrictions on travel say that people should not leave the county, and that public transport will be reserved for essential workers and essential purposes.

 

Face masks remain mandatory on public transport in all phases, while capacity restrictions remain at 50% in phases one, two and three. The framework advises everyone to walk or cycle if possible.

 

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