AQO 1830/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/03/2021
Answered On Date: 29/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Assembly Commission for an update on the implementation of COVID-19 requirements, with particular regard to face coverings.

Answer:

At the outset of the pandemic, the Assembly Commission established a COVID-19 Response Group to ensure that it is able to respond to developments in a timely and effective manner. This Group meets regularly to ensure that all Regulations and guidance is followed in Parliament Buildings.

The Commission also quickly closed Parliament Buildings, deciding that no public tours, events or visitor activities should take place and that members of the public would not have access to Parliament Buildings until further notice. Only permanent pass-holders and those essential to the delivery of Assembly business have therefore had access to the building since March 2020. Where possible, building users have also been encouraged to work from home.

A strict cleaning regime has been maintained to keep the building and, in particular, contact points such as handrails, door handles, etc. clean.

In order to ensure good hand hygiene, soap and paper towels have been made available in all toilets and at Tea Points throughout the building. In addition, supplies of bacterial wipes and hand sanitiser along with hand sanitiser stations have been provided.

Social distancing measures have been employed throughout the building including the Assembly Chamber, Committee meeting rooms and the restaurant. Screens and associated equipment to facilitate remote participation at Committee meetings and in the Assembly Chamber have also been installed.

For some areas where social distancing is not easily maintained including the canteen, search facility and entrance areas, Perpsex screens have also been installed.

All building users are required to wear face coverings at all times in public areas in the building (except where this is not possible for medical reasons). In addition, for those occasions where virtual meetings are not possible, staff are encouraged to wear face coverings when meeting in the building.

Signage is in place to remind users of the need to maintain social distancing, to ensure good hand hygiene and what they should do in the event of feeling unwell.

The Commission and the COVID-19 Response Group will continue to monitor and review the measures in place and will adapt those measures to meet changes in the Regulations and guidance.