Certain key workers set to be except from isolation amid Omicron surge

There is a lot of uncertainty.

The Government is currently working on a plan that would see certain key workers being exempt from self-isolation amid fears of a surge in Omicron cases. Taoiseach Michéal Martin has asked for officials to draw up "immediate contingency planning for the coming period, including risks associated with Covid-19- related absenteeism," according to The Irish Times. “Each sector will assess and plan to mitigate risks of transmission and absenteeism affecting critical services or infrastructure. The identification of critical workers/work areas will continue to inform close contact rules and any derogations which might apply,” the spokesman told the publication. Government sources also told the paper that they expect to see more than 10,000 cases per day in the next few weeks. If this happens, it would mean close contacts would need to isolate and it could put pressure on essential services. This issue has already been seen in the health service for key workers, with sources claiming that the Coalition wants to examine derogations for other key workers like gardaí, fire service personnel, prison officers and those involved in infrastructure and public utilities. There are "definitely fears there could be large-scale absenteeism", with a source looking at the situation in London with a high absentee rate in healthcare services. The Government has also said that they will approach the vaccine rollout for young children "with sensitivity" as there is a lot of uncertainty among parents when it comes to this. Michéal Martin said that “very comprehensive” information and guidance will be given to parents. The vaccine programme for children aged five to 11 is set to begin fully in January, with the Taoiseach understanding the "sensibilities involved. The Government will also be “recommending strongly” that parents should get their children vaccinated.