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Varadkar wants more antigen tests in workplaces

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar (pictured) has urged more employers to use antigen testing to detect COVID-19.

The call came in updated Government advice for employers on workplace protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The revised Work Safety Protocol sets out the minimum measures required to facilitate the re-opening of workplaces following temporary closures, and includes updated public-health advice on masks, ventilation and antigen testing.

The document also includes guidance for employers on how to manage unvaccinated workers.

Vaccination remains voluntary

Mr Varadkar said this was necessary as vaccination would remain voluntary.

“There may be certain circumstances where it is deemed that an unvaccinated worker is not safe to perform certain work tasks and in such circumstances the employer may have no option but to redeploy the worker to another work task,” the protocol says, adding that this decision would need to be agreed between the employer and a medical practitioner in consultation with the worker.

The Government is still advising people to continue to work from home where possible, but the Tánaiste said it was time to update the advice, as some sectors of the economy would be able to reopen over the coming weeks.

The document provides employers with information on how to use antigen testing appropriately in the workplace, but it warns that the tests should be an additional health-and-safety measure, and not a substitute for other precautions.

The Tánaiste also urged employers to look at how they could improve ventilation in workplaces. “Even simple actions like airing rooms or keeping a window open can make a difference,” he said.