The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges.
Minister Donnelly said: “We all know the direct impact that Covid-19 has had on older people, especially those in nursing homes, and the sad loss of life experienced at home and internationally from the virus. The virus has also had indirect consequences, such as the loss of those important social connections and engagements with loved ones.
“While the previous guidance had provided for visiting on critical and compassionate grounds this new guidance now expands the scope of visiting on general compassionate grounds. Meaningful contact with family and friends is important at all times which is why these additional grounds will be facilitated. Compassionate grounds could be for example to see a family member or friend as prolonged absence is causing upset or for personal reasons, to make financial or other arrangements or to advocate on their behalf.
Question marks over location of Covid-19 mass vaccination centre in Offaly
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THE HSE has yet to formally designate the Faithful Fields GAA complex in Offaly as a mass Covid-19 vaccination centre, despite signalling the move nearly a month ago.
While a decision on the venue in Kilcormac is awaited, the HSE has also considered other locations, including two sports grounds and a hotel in Tullamore.
When he announced details of 37 locations for Covid-19 inoculations last month, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly did indicate that contracts for a number of them had not been finalised, including the Offaly GAA training centre.