To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the interpretation provided to him by health experts of dementia being the most common co-symptom in COVID-19 deaths; and (ii) how this will inform future COVID-19 restrictions in relation to those in care homes or the elderly.

At present, no formal assessment has been undertaken of this issue. Whilst those with dementia present among the most common pre-existing condition in Covid deaths, it is clear that further research would be necessary to provide a firm interpretation.

Those living with dementia will often present with a range of other conditions which may also increase their risk in regards to Covid-19. Given that between 19 March 2020 and 31 December 2021, over a quarter (28.4%) of all Covid-19 deaths were residents of care homes, and nearly three quarters (73.5%) were aged 75 or over, this may explain in part the high numbers, although it does not make it any more acceptable.

When considering restriction regulations, the Executive maintain the four principles that were agreed in May 2020: focus on purpose; necessity; proportionality; reliance on evidence. The purposes of the Regulations are (i) to protect the health of the population by limiting the spread of COVID-19 infection in order to minimise the numbers of cases and deaths, and (ii) to ensure as far as possible that the health care system has the capacity to care for COVID-19 patients and care for all patients, present and future.

The past 23 months have been unprecedented, and the Executive has sought to balance individual and societal liberty with public health requirements in the face of a global pandemic.

As I am sure you are aware, I announced on 15 February 2022 that all COVID-19 legal restrictions in Northern Ireland will be replaced by guidance from that date.

As we move forward we must balance the easing of restrictions against the ongoing risk still presented by COVID-19. It is important to note that care homes are distinct from other care settings in that they are enclosed environments and have a specific and particular risk profile.

However I am pleased to advise that guidance to care homes, and in particular visiting, has been updated in line with the latest scientific evidence.

I can confirm that the Public Health advice is that it is now appropriate to move to the third full stage of the Visiting with Care - Pathway – “Further Easing”.

There will no longer be a restriction on the number of people who may visit but visits remain limited to two households per day. In addition, overnight stays will now also be facilitated for care home residents.

The document 'Visiting With Care – A Pathway' was developed by the Public Health Agency, working with representatives from the statutory sector, representatives from various relatives’ groups and independent healthcare providers. It sets out an agreed new approach to supporting safe and proportionate increased visiting in care homes.

The document can be accessed through the following link:

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/Visiting%20With%20Care%20-%20A%20Pathway%20-%2017-02-2022%20Update.pdf

Current guidance for healthcare professionals, carers and care homes on a range of COVID related areas can be found on the PHA website through the following link:

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/guidance-hsc-staff-healthcare-workers-and-care-providers/guidance-healthcare