The HSE has “strongly advised” those in the at-risk category stay at home and not leave in any circumstances. There was no provision in the Act to sanction those the HSE believes ought to be cocooning and are not. The Department of Health has responded that the position on cocooning is “advisory” and not mandatory and is there to protect vulnerable people. ‘Clear recommendation’Speaking at Wednesday’s daily briefing on the crisis, the State’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the “clear recommendation” for the over-70s was to continue cocooning. While we think we are making progress in that direction, we think we’re not there at this moment in time.

Source: The Irish Times April 15, 2020 13:26 UTC