The Government has confirmed it will lift almost all Covid restrictions next Monday, February 28.
The decision was made following advice from NPHET to lift the requirement to wear face masks in most public settings.
Face masks will no longer be needed in retail, hospitality, and other indoor public settings.
However, masks will still be required to be worn in health care settings, and there will be advice encouraging members of the public to continue to wear masks on public transport. However, this will not be legally binding.
The Cabinet also agreed that protective measures in schools and early learning childcare facilities, such as pods, social distancing and staggering of breaks, will be removed.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said people are still being advised to wear face masks on public transport and in healthcare settings.
He said: “Of course, there are people who may wish to continue to wear a mask, and they are free to do so (and) people who have underlying conditions may also wish to choose to do so.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan recommended the end of mandatory mask wearing in a letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
He said: “Mandatory mask-wearing in areas where it is currently regulated for, including public transport, taxis, retail and other indoor public settings, and staff in hospitality settings.
“Public health measures in early learning settings, school-aged childcare, primary and secondary schools, including physical distancing measures such as pods, and mask wearing.”
Elsewhere, the Government outlined Ireland’s current epidemiological profile of Covid in Ireland in a statement issued on Tuesday.
It said the virus continues to be stable, and there is now a positive outlook to Covid’s future.
A spokesperson said: “Following a recent moderate increase – particularly amongst young adults – the number of infections detected per day remains high but has stabilised, and may be starting to decrease.
“While the burden on our hospitals remains significant, it is relatively stable.”
However, officials have reminded people to continue to follow public health advice should they display any symptoms of Covid.
It said:
- Isolate if you are symptomatic (even if you are fully vaccinated and boosted) or if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Complete your primary and booster programme of vaccination.
- Continue to manage risk for yourself and others who are more vulnerable including by wearing masks, physical distancing and avoiding crowds as well as basic hand and respiratory hygiene.
