The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has recommended the removal of the mandatory mask wearing rule.
Advice Given To Minister For Health
A statement published on gov.ie has revealed advice that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has received from Nphet that it recommends that the removal of mandatory mask wearing in areas in which it is currently regulated including public transport, taxis, retail and other indoor public settings, and for staff in hospitality settings, and public health measures in early learning settings, school-aged childcare, primary and secondary schools including physical distancing measures such as pods, and mask wearing, from 28 February.
Additional Nphet Recommendations
While mask wearing will no longer be mandatory in the mentioned setting, Nphet recommended that masks should still be worn in healthcare settings, and on public transport where physical distancing can be difficult and where individuals who are more vulnerable to the severe impacts of COVID-19 do not always have discretion to avoid, and it also recommended that other public health protection layers, including hygiene measures, ventilation and staying at home if symptomatic, are continued, according to the statement published on gov.ie.
Statement By Minister Donnelly
The statement published on gov.ie included a statement from Minister Donnelly, in which he said, "The current epidemiological profile of COVID-19 continues to provide a broadly stable and positive outlook.
"The advice from Nphet to remove mandatory mask wearing is a key indicator that we are moving forward in terms of our ability to live with COVID-19. Our ability to ease restrictions is thanks to the response and support of people across the country and our successful vaccine programme.
"I welcome these recommendations and I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Nphet for their expertise, commitment and guidance through what has been such a difficult period. Their contribution cannot be overstated."
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