Hello John,

Further to last week's Covid-19 Guidance update (included again below this email for reference), there were a number of outstanding issues that we agreed to follow up on.

Please see updates below, from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) following their engagement with colleagues across Government to ensure that responses are in line with the national public health advice:
 
  1. The guidance on young people to wear face coverings in appropriate settings applies only to young people aged 13 and over. This is in line with other sectors.
  2. The requirement for a proof of immunity applies to all persons in a setting. This includes young people 12 and under. This will be the case nationally. The implications for the Guidance for Youth Organisations are that where young people 12 and under are present in indoor activities, pods of 6 will have to be used. These restrictions will lift from October 22nd.
  3. The Department is continuing to seek clarification on the basis for youth organisations to request a proof of immunity from their staff/young people. Whilst this clarification is being sought, youth organisations may wish to follow the guidance on mixed groups only. Services will be aware that the restrictions on the numbers in attendance at indoor youth activities and the requirement for proof of immunity ceases on October 22nd.  
When we receive clarity around requesting proof of immunity we will update you on this issue.

We will continue to update you on our ongoing engagement with DCEDIY regarding the Covid-19 Guidance for Youth Organisations on behalf of the youth sector.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, let me know.

Warmest regards,

Mary

Mary Cunningham
CEO
National Youth Council of Ireland

P.S. Budget 2022: You'll have seen we launched our call on Government to support young people in Budget 2022 by investing €10 million in youth work. I'd ask you to support this by sharing with your contacts and signing our petition.
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Previous update
Sent: 14.09.21
From: mary@nyci.ie
Re: Covid-19 update informed by  Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting


Hello John,

I'm getting in touch to alert you that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) has published updated Guidance for Youth Work Organisations – Informed by Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting.

It is important that we maintain awareness and vigilance - but this is really exciting news for youth workers, volunteers and young people.
  • Protective measures will remain in place but premises may open, and restrictions will be lifted in a number of areas outlined below.
  • The new guidance has moved away from levels and the focus is now on key dates for the easing of measures. Hopefully this will be more straightforward and help your planning as we move through the changes related to these dates.
Key dates: 20th September and the 22nd October

From 20th September:
  • maximum group sizes for a service should be calculated based on the space available - ensuring that at least 1m physical distancing can be maintained.
From 22nd October:
  • remaining restrictions on indoor activities are removed.
  • Residentials may take place: all remaining restrictions on residentials are removed. Services should follow all public health guidance and pay particular attention to the specific guidance set out in Failte Ireland’s Guidelines to re-opening.
  • One to one meetings may take place.
  • Transport returns to 100% with some protective measures.
  • International youth work can resume. Everyone should follow the public health advice on international travel.
Issues to be clarified

We have requested further clarification on the 3 issues below:
  1. The role of proof of immunity for under 12s.
  2. At what age and in what context is the guidance to wear masks applicable.
  3. The basis on which a youth organisation can request proof of immunity of their staff/young people.
Guidance is still awaited from the Department of the Taoiseach regarding these points.

We will continue to update you on our ongoing engagement with both this department and  DCEDIY regarding the Covid-19 Guidance for Youth Organisations on behalf of the youth sector.

Please let me know if you have any further queries, and best wishes with your planning over the coming weeks.

Warmest regards,

Mary

Mary Cunningham
CEO
National Youth Council of Ireland

P.S. Budget 2022: You'll have seen we launched our call on Government to support young people in Budget 2022 by investing €10 million in youth work yesterday. I'd ask you to support this by sharing with your contacts and signing our petition.
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