AQW 4442/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 02/06/2020
Answered On Date: 10/07/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what guidance his Department has given to local councils, and other public bodies, for the safe reopening and operation of public toilets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer:

Public toilets were designated as being able to remain open in schedule 2, Part 3 (42) in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020. The Department of Health has not developed detailed sector specific guidance, including guidance on reopening and operation of public toilets managed by councils and public bodies.

There are examples of mitigation measures that could be undertaken in line with the general guidance issued by the Department - https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-protection-coronavirus-restrictions-northern-ireland-regulations-2020. These are not exhaustive but should include maintaining social distancing and hygiene measures including regular cleaning and monitoring of facilities. It would be helpful to ensure there are suitable levels of hand cleaning and sanitising products and these are restocked regularly. Appropriate signage (with reference to the continuing Covid-19 risk) should also be in place to re-inforce key public health messages.