COVID-19 – Staying safe when returning to the workplace

By June Shannon Coronavirus News   |   22nd Sep 2021

Vaccination remains best defence against COVID-19

As thousands prepare to go back to the office this week the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan, has thanked the public for their solidarity and continued efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Acknowledging the “considerable burden” the last 18 months has placed on individuals, communities, and society as a whole, Dr Holohan paid particular credit to older people on which he said the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessary public health measures have had “a disproportionate impact.”

“It is heartening to see the high levels of vaccine uptake among all cohorts, but particularly among our over-65s. In fact, the Department of Health’s most recent Amárach research shows that 96 per cent of respondents aged 55 years and older state that they are fully protected through vaccination,” Dr Holohan added.

According to Dr Holohan, “vaccination remains our best means of protection against COVID-19. The vaccines available in Ireland are very safe and effective against COVID-19. While it may be still possible for people who are vaccinated to pick up this disease when we still have such high levels of disease in the community, these vaccines are especially good at limiting the likelihood of that becoming a severe infection that would, for example, require admission to hospital or to intensive care.”

 “ It is heartening to see the high levels of vaccine uptake among all cohorts,"

Dr Tony Holohan. Chief Medical Officer , The Department of Health

Therefore, if you are returning to the workplace over the coming weeks the best way to protect yourself and others is to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

All the vaccines available in Ireland are safe and effective and you can find out more about these vaccines here.

Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

It is never too late to get the COVID-19 vaccine and it is available free of charge to everyone aged 12 and over. If you are aged 12 to 15, your parent or legal guardian will need to register you and give their consent. If you are aged 16 and over you can register for a COVID vaccine online or on the phone, you can also attend a walk-in centre or you can receive a vaccine from a participating pharmacy. For more information on ways to get your COVID-19 vaccine please see here.

According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), “while COVID vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, reducing hospitalisations and preventing death due to the SARS C0V-2 virus, including the Delta variant. They do not however, always prevent fully vaccinated people from becoming infected (called a breakthrough infection) or from spreading the virus to other people who may develop serious illness in particular  people who are not vaccinated and or those who are in Very High- Risk Groups.”

Its important to remember to maintain social distancing when back in the office and other situations

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Ways to keep safe:

For the latest advice and information on COVID-19 from the HSE please see here

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