A new Covid-19 advisory group has replaced NPHET and will be chaired by Chief Medical officer Tony Holohan.
The group was announced by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today.
Its aim is to advise Government on "how best to maximise Ireland’s medium to long-term preparedness" against Covid-19.
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They will be responsible for the following:
- "Note the evolving epidemiological assessment of COVID-19, provided by the monitoring processes in place through the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
- "Monitor new and emerging evidence with regard to existing technologies, practices and interventions for the detection and control of SARS-CoV-2.
- "Undertake horizon scanning, including internationally, such that new technologies, practices and interventions may be appropriately integrated into the public health response to any emerging SARS-CoV-2 threat.
- "Advise the Minister and Government on experiences in other countries and jurisdictions in relation to SARS-CoV-2, where there are implications and/or potential learnings or actions for Ireland.
- "Advise the Minister and Government on medium and long-term responses that may become necessary as part of the response to COVID-19."
Among the groups 20 members are Tony Holohan, Ronan Glynn, Luke O'Neill and Philip Nolan.
Announcing the group, Minister Stephen Donnelly said: ""I am delighted to announce the Covid-19 Advisory Group and its membership today.
"This very excellent group includes a wide range of expertise. Our hospitalisations are falling at present, which is reassuring. However, Covid-19 remains a threat and there is no way to know for sure what lies ahead.
"We need to be prepared. The Covid Advisory Group will make best use of national expertise, international data and evidence.
“I would like to thank the members of the group for volunteering their time and energy to Ireland’s ongoing response to this pandemic.”
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