The question of when we will see the Covid-19 pandemic come to an end is a regular topic of conversation among the public.
Although we know that the actual virus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, its effects on the public are beginning to ease in line with vaccinations and recovery.
The next step Ireland will take is to relax the final existing measures, as we go about living with Covid without lockdowns and strict rules.
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
No final decision has been made just yet on the outcome of the planned February 28’s easing, however, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan said there will be an “ongoing need” to retain some public health measures such as mask-wearing to reduce risk.
He said: “In advising that social and economic restrictions could be removed, the NPHET stressed that the pandemic is not over and that with a significant level of infection nationally, Covid-19 still poses a risk to public health.
“In this regard, there will be an ongoing need to retain some public health measures to reduce risk."
As for Primary schools, he advised that: “Protective measures should remain in place in primary and secondary schools, masks should continue to be worn in all settings where currently regulated for, and we must continue to encourage everyone to complete their primary and booster programmes of vaccination.
“Masks will also continue to play a key role in reducing transmission of Covid-19.
“It is important that people wear the mask that is most appropriate to them and the circumstances they may be in, ensuring it is well fitted and worn correctly.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin suggested that people may have the option of whether to wear their masks in certain settings in the coming months.
With the measure review date fast approaching, he said: “I personally am comfortable wearing the masks in shops, public transport and when going into crowded areas. That’s just a personal thing.
“I think more and more as we go along it will be more of a personal dimension. In other words, we do what we feel comfortable doing.
“That applies to shaking hands and each person can do it differently. There will be people with different perspectives on this.”
The Taoiseach went on to say that from what we’ve learned about the virus, is that it peaks in winter, and so there may be a need for mask-wearing to come back in the future if an outbreak occurs.
He added: “I think the key question for the public is when will it be mandatory and not mandatory, when will that lift?
“We take advice on that, but it is being kept under constant review.”
