Compulsory mask wearing is expected to return later in the year after Cabinet ministers agreed to prepare laws which would allow them to trigger the return of the Covid rule.
Cabinet sources have said it is a “precautionary move” and don’t expect the rule to be brought in before the Dail rises for the summer.
However, a Cabinet source said there is concern about the winter period and the legislation is being put in place so the Government is prepared to act quickly.
Read more: Warning as Covid-19 cases surge in 5 parts of Ireland, including one Dublin hotspot
There has been no change to the advice on mask wearing from out going Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.
All the regulations around mandatory mask-wearing expired when public health restrictions were lifted in February. But the advice is to continue to wear masks in healthcare settings and on public transport. A second Cabinet source said these are two settings that mask wearing may become mandatory again in the winter to prevent an expected surge in Covid-19 cases.
Cabinet sources believe the “Covid summer wave” will peak soon and this is “permission to draft enabling legislation in case we need it”.
It comes as politicians, including Health Minister Stephen Donnelly have recently expressed concern about the surge in Covid-19 cases, particularly the number of frontline healthcare workers testing positive.
Last week, ministers said the advice had not changed on mask wearing, but now there has been a shift in response to a potential winter wave.
It’s not envisaged that the legal requirement to wear face masks will be “triggered” soon, a Cabinet source has said.
Read more: New laws could allow Government to make face masks mandatory in some settings
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said: “We should be clear, there aren’t any immediate plans to reintroduce mask wearing on public transport or other locations.”
He told RTE that health officials are continuing to issue advice on masks and the Government will follow this.
Mr Ryan said that the Government felt that before the summer recess it would be appropriate to make sure the necessary laws were in place.
Read more: HSE urges public to get Covid-19 vaccine or booster at Dublin walk-in clinics this weekend
Latest figures from 8am yesterday report 751 people are in hospital with Covid-19 – a decrease of 14 from Monday’s 765.
Cabinet ministers are “concerned” over the hundreds of thousands of people who have not received their booster vaccine.
Mr Donnelly said yesterday that half of those in hospital with the virus have not been vaccinated.
He said three in every four people being hospitalised with Covid are over the age of 65.
Read next:
HSE urges public to get Covid-19 booster at walk-in clinic this weekend
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