COVID-19 FAQs for Staff

UPDATED 28th February 2022

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - Guidance and FAQs

Guidance and FAQ for Public Service Employers during COVID-19.pdf (size 851.7 KB)

Transitional Protocol Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of CoVID-19

Transitional Protocol Good Practice Guidance COVID-19.pdf (size 603 KB)

High Level LA Transitional Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

High Level Good Practice Guidance.pdf (size 585.9 KB)

Foreign Travel Guidance

Employees who intend to travel abroad should ensure that they are aware of any testing and quarantine requirements in place at the time of travel, and pertaining to their own circumstances, both for their intended destination and on return to Ireland. Where a restricted movement period is required as a result of travel, all employees must make provision by way of an annual leave or unpaid leave application for that period of restricted movement, in line with the normal rules applying in the relevant sector. This arrangement is applicable to all civil and public servants, regardless of whether they can work from home.

An emergency brake system may be applied quickly to countries where a variant of concern or interest arises. Employees should be aware that whatever restricted movement (quarantine) requirements are in place and applicable to them on their date of return to Ireland will apply. Employees are required to notify their employer as soon as possible if they have to take additional annual leave or unpaid leave in order to satisfy any restricted movement (quarantine) requirement.

What supports are available internally for Cork City Council staff?

A Covid-19 Confidential Helpline facility is now operational and will be available to Cork City Council staff from 9:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday.

The helpline number is ext. 4098 / 021-4924098.

If I have concerns, can I access the employee assistance programme?

We understand the current situation can be worrying and uncertain for some employees. Cork City Council staff can access the Employee Assistance Programme, and this is a free, confidential and professional counselling service available to all staff.

Employee Assistance Programme phone number – 1800 946 799

This service provides support for those dealing with issues like anxiety, bereavement, bullying, coping with stress, depression, mental health worries etc. The employee assistance programme does not provide medical advice. If you have medical related concerns, these should be directed to your GP. If you require any additional information on the employee assistance programme, you can email your queries to welfare@corkcity.ie.

What’s the best source of information?

There is a lot of false information out there so please seek your information from the public authorities. We advise keeping up to date via the Department of Health/HSE coronavirus and World Health Organization page. This is the most reliable and up-to-date.

HSE Information

Department of Health

World Health Organization

What about the national Department of Health/HSE helpline?

The HSE contact centre, HSE Live is open 7 days a week. 1800 700 700.