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Asylum seekers who say they are “stuck” in Covid-19 infested direct supply centers may isolate themselves at a Dublin hotel, the National Public Health Emergency Team said.
Anyone who couldn’t isolate where he lived could go to a hotel at Citywest in Dublin, including asylum seekers, Dr. Siobhan Ní Bhriain, Leader in Integrated Care with the HSE, announced at the public health press conference last night. .
Later, the Justice Department confirmed that asylum seekers can be accommodated at the hotel or its four dedicated off-site self-isolation facilities and that the HSE would decide on the appropriate location based on an individual’s medical need.
The expanded Covid-19 testing capacity created for nursing homes could soon be extended to asylum seekers, said chief physician Dr. Tony Holohon.
The announcements came hours after the Irish Commission for Human Rights and Equality questioned the Minister for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, about how a COVID-19 outbreak was being managed at a direct supply center in Kerry.
A major coronavirus outbreak at the Skellig Star Hotel’s direct provision center in Caherciveen has sparked protests and pleas for help from both asylum seekers and local residents.
At least 23 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the center, about a quarter of all residents, who say it is impossible to isolate themselves in the center.
Nationwide, 164 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in nineteen Direct Provision centers.
An IHREC statement said that while affected residents in downtown Kerry were transferred to isolation facilities, the situation has caused “considerable fear” among the remaining residents and those living nearby.
IHREC has asked Minister Stanton to clarify what public health guidance has been provided to residents and the administration of the Cahersiveen Direct Provision center.
He also requested clarification on how that guide is being implemented and what is being done to protect the health and well-being of residents.
IHREC said it was “particularly concerned” by media reports that residents who may have come into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 face more onerous restrictions on their movements outside the center than the general population.
The COVID pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for a new approach to provide asylum seekers in Ireland, the agency said.
A Justice Department spokesman said that Minister Stanton will carefully consider IHREC correspondence.
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