NPHET recommends an end to face masks in most settings

The National Public Health Emergency Team has agreed that the requirement to wear masks in most settings should end, according to RTÉ News.

If the recommendation is approved by Government, the requirement to wear a face covering would no longer apply to staff in customer facing roles, such as restaurants and pubs.

Mask wearing would also no longer be required in schools, on public transport, taxis, in retail premises and in public offices.

However, masks would still be required in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, “given the nature of these settings and that some are still experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks”.

The announcement comes following a NPHET meeting earlier today, which reviewed the current Covid-19 situation, vaccination uptake levels and the existing mask wearing rules.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, consultant in infectious diseases Dr Cliona Ní Cheallaigh said that she would “suggest very strongly” people continue to wear masks:

There’s still an awful lot of Covid circulating around, so I think if you don’t want to get Covid I would suggest very strongly that you continue to wear your masks.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union Dermot O’Leary said members have already expressed a number of concerns about possible changes to the mask wearing mandate on public transport.

According to RTÉ News, Mr O’Leary said it would be better if the move could be pushed out until the end of March when there are fewer coughs and colds.

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