T0p public health officials are set to meet this week to assess the current situation with Covid-19 in Ireland.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan will join other NPHET members on Thursday to discuss the impact an easing of further restrictions could have on the country.
The remaining restrictions are:
- requirements for mask wearing in all settings where currently regulated for
- protective measures in schools and early learning and care facilities
Mask wearing is required on public transport, in shops, for hospitality workers and in healthcare settings.
Here's a few things to know ahead of any decisions;
Taoiseach is in favour of masks
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “Irrespective of whether it is mandated or not, I would recommend that people would wear masks in retail and public transport for some time yet.
“I think the emphasis now is to make sure we continue our investment in public health and that we have systems in place that are resilient and adaptable to any future outbreaks and maybe of other variants.
“That also relates to the vaccination structures that we have so that we can respond again and are in a position particularly towards the latter part of the year in terms of vaccinating particularly the more vulnerable groups in our society.”
Northern Ireland are to remove remaining restrictions
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the removal of all remaining Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland from tomorrow.
These include the scrapping of Covid passports in all settings and the wearing of face masks.
They will be moved from regulations to guidance.
It comes after Stormont ministers gave their "unanimous support" to Mr Swann on the easing of restrictions.
Newer Covid symptom
According to the Zoe Symptom Study app - where users document their experience of the virus - one common ailment continues to pop up.
Lower back pain has been plaguing those who are positive with the highly transmissible strain and so health officials have decided to add the symptom to the top 20 list.
All of the people using the app are based in the UK and according to reports, it receives millions of entries everyday.
New stats releases have confirmed that lower back pain has been reported by 20% of Covid patients in the week up to February 6.
Mask decision
We will find out at the end of this week whether masks are to continue being worn in shops and on public transport or whether they will be scrapped for good.
NPHET will meet Thursday before a final decision is likely made Friday.
