Over 8,500 Healthcare Workers Absent Due To Covid

Thursday, 6 January 2022 15:05

By Caoimhe Harney

Rules around isolation under review.

At least 8,500 HSE staff are absent due to Covid-19.

However, the Head of the HSE, Paul Reid says the true figure could be double that.

It comes as NPHET meet to discuss potentially changing the length of time close contacts have to isolate.

The requirement of people to restrict movements is believed to be putting increasing pressure on different parts of the economy due to people being unable to attend work.

At present, close contacts who have received a booster are required to restrict movements for five days and undertake three antigen tests over several days.

The Government requested public health officials review the isolation rules as businesses and essential services struggle to cope without staff.

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