The social distancing debate continued in earnest this week as the government held discussions in relation to the potential reduction of the ‘social distance’ from two metres, back to one metre.

Last week we were one of the first to call for this measure, particularly due to the impact which the current two metres would have on many businesses. Look back on that article here:

Ireland is Ignoring WHO Social Distancing Advice

Over the last week, this issue has gathered momentum, so we decided to seek the views of our five TD’s on the issue:

Johnny Mythen (Sinn Fein):

We must adhere to the expert medical advice by NPHET. some Countries have variant measures. 1.8 America. 1 m. Netherlands . WHO recommending 1m. At present, it seems the highest group to contract COVID 19 are front line workers 27% with 5 fatalities which would reasonable indicate the closer contact the more risk of infection. However, as I said it is up to our medical team to call it.

Brendan Howlin (Labour):

The 1m v 2m debate is one that is going to become more relevant in the coming weeks. It seems certain that if the 2m rule stays in place that many businesses, particularly those in the hospitality area, will not be in a position to open. In that regard, I feel we will have to have a serious look at bringing it back to 1m. This can only be done if people practice common sense and consideration for others. The WHO has alluded to a less than 2m Social Distance measure. If the downward trend in case numbers continue (notwithstanding today’s figures) then I think we must seriously consider the reduction to 1m. We must do all in our powers to protect public health but we must also do all we can to protect the livelihoods of so many people.

Verona Murphy:

I believe this needs to be looked in particular sector by sector, as well as on a regional basis, Wexford has had one of the lowest incidences of COVID-19. The World Health organisation & NPHET are at odds, and there is so much at stake. Many businesses can only be viable at 1 metre, this is very clear. Knock-on effects of remaining at 2 metres may be more damaging in the grand scheme, so a serious examination is needed to see if it can be reduced in a safe manner

James Browne:

Undoubtedly if we were to go with the WHO 1m rule as opposed to 2m it would be a game-changer, not only for businesses & workplaces but also to our entire health sector which would be able to see more patients. I would like to hear more from the Government as to why they are not following the WHO’s recommendations and instead are insisting on 2m. However, I along with my Party will be guided by the best public health advice & what is recommended.

Paul Kehoe:

I have always accepted the advice from public health emergency team but this will constantly be under review.

Cillian De Gascun, head of the National Virus Reference Laboratory is quoted as saying:

“If you want to look for evidence-based on one or two metres you are not going to find a huge amount” 

Tony Holohan state last week that “we have effectively extinguished community transmission”. See below:

Today however, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan poured cold water on the idea of reduction by telling ministers that advice on social distancing remained at 2 metres.

This brings to mind a famous quote by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who said: “Advisors advise and Ministers Decide”. Ultimately this decision rests with the relevant government ministers, who can choose to either take that advice or make an alternative decision based on other advice, e.g. WHO guidelines.

Today, in Dáil Éireann, an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar suggested that the COVID-19 committee could examine the two metre issue and come up with a recommendation, despite the fact that ‘coming up’ with recommendations on non-legislative matters is not within the committee’s remit. It is the government’s job to deal with this, not the COVID-19 committee.