COVID-19 Notice to SIPTU members in the Public Service
SIPTU Public Service representatives are engaging with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health to prepare and plan for dealing with Covid-19 (coronavirus) on the island of Ireland.
Our focus is to ensure that HSE management and all other Public Service employers in Local Government, Education, the State and Community sectors provide clear and updated guidelines for our members.
We are asking the employers to ensure that escalation plans are flagged well in advance, that training and adequate protective equipment are provided and that support for all public service staff is prioritised.
The advice from public health professionals is that the risk of of being infected by Covid-19 (coronavirus) in Ireland is still low, with three confirmed cases as of 4th March. However, all SIPTU members must play their part in containing the disease by accessing and following reliable up-to-date information, washing hands properly and frequently and self-isolating, if required.
In cases of enforced absences i.e., where there is direction and/or medical advice for an employee to self-isolate, normal pay should continue to be paid. This should also apply where an employee self-isolates in accordance with the up-to-date guidance of the HSE.
As always, the protection of the public and our communities is the key focus for all our members in the public service.
We encourage all members to familiarise themselves with the guidance provided in their workplaces and to follow the advice communicated through the media by the HSE and relevant agencies or through the links below.
Links to relevant websites and information:
COVID-19 updates – how the health service is responding to the global spread of coronavirus
Department of Foreign Affairs – updated travel information and advice
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre – information for health professionals
HSE:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/advice-for-people-returning-from-affected-areas.html
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china
Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/coronavirus/
WHO Guidelines
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance
