Mandatory mask wearing could be implemented if Covid cases continue to rise this winter, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said.
The Minister brought a memo before government today outlining potential steps that would be taken in the event of another Covid wave. The memo was brought to Cabinet with the advice of Chief Medical Officer Breda Smyth.
The memo recommends bringing mask wearing on public transport, as well as in healthcare settings, back into effect to help curb infections. RTE reports that considerations on mandatory mask wearing in these two settings will take into account “personal, ethical and public health perspectives.”
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The Minister told reporters this morning: “We know we’re facing into a very difficult winter. We know it’ll be difficult for patients and healthcare professionals right across the country. We’ll have an ongoing focus this autumn and winter on living with Covid.”
The news emerges as a notable increase in Covid-19 cases occurs. There are an estimated 475 people currently in hospital with the virus, of whom 13 are in intensive care. However, the Minister confirmed that only 40% of these cases were hospitalised as a direct result of Covid-19 infection.
Meanwhile, Tanáiste Leo Varadkar cast doubt on new restrictions coming into effect to fight Covid-19, although he admitted cases were on the rise. He encouraged people to consider wearing a mask while in more crowded public settings for personal safety.
The booster vaccine campaign continues to be rolled out nationwide, as specific cohorts are now eligible for their second and third booster doses. The Minister for Health also confirmed that 80,000 people had received a Covid vaccine last week.
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