An ethical framework to guide policymakers and healthcare planners is available for download from the Government of Ireland’s website responding to COVID-19. Key principles in the framework include:
- Minimising harm: When imposing restrictions, inform people why this is necessary for public health
- Proportionality: The least restrictive methods possible should be utilized to protect public health
- Solidarity: We must set aside self-interest, territorial focus, etc. to work collaboratively
- Fairness: Resource allocation must be intentional to give equal access to all
- Duty to provide care: Clinical staff, non-clinical healthcare workers, carers and family members
- Reciprocity: Society must support those with disproportionate burden
- Privacy: Health information may be shared on a limited basis for the benefit of public health