Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVID-19

The CSO has designed and implemented a comprehensive Protocol if a staff member is ill in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (Office Notice 8/2020). The protocol prioritises the health and dignity of the staff member, as well as their colleagues and the safety of their work environment.

There are three main scenarios covered in this protocol. Obviously, there can be other scenarios, but these guidelines should be enough to construct an appropriate response. The three scenarios are: 

• where a staff member contacts their manager from home to let them know that they have symptoms of COVID-19
• where a staff member advises from home that they themselves or a member of their household is a confirmed case of COVID-19 infection
• where a staff member shows symptoms of COVID-19 while in work

The protocol provides detailed responses to each of the three scenarios above. Further, it outlines the establishment of the CSO COVID-19 Assessment Team who will:

• support and advise the staff member of the procedure to follow and provide any assistance needed in line with public health guidelines
• carry out a risk assessment to ensure any required follow up actions are identified and implemented
• advise and support managers in ensuring an appropriate approach is taken for each case
• communicate with the staff member, the HSE, line managers and close contacts as required
• carry out an after-action review for each case with the relevant Head of Division and Lead Worker

Each HOD should take time to ensure that managers within their division ‘walk through’ this protocol with staff, so that everyone is aware of the necessary procedures and any local arrangements that are required.

COVID-19 Alert Team

To report a case of COVID-19, please contact alerthr@cso.ie in the first instance. For urgent queries realted to to COVID-19 the following people can be contacted.

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