Taoiseach Micheal Martin believes that people in Ireland should continue to wear face masks even after the National Public Health Emergency Team lifts the mandate.
The Fianna Fail leader said a meeting to discuss removing mandatory mask wearing and other remaining Covid restrictions would be held in coming weeks.
Speaking in France he said the meeting will be held “just to try and take stock of the situation” and to “map out the situation for the remainder of the year”.
He stressed that his stance on masks was his own personal view and would not influence decisions if NPHET gives the go ahead to get rid of the mandatory requirement.
Leaders at the One Ocean Summit and the World Health Organisation have reportedly been pleased with the progress being made in fighting the virus.
The Taoiseach said the numbers and news in Ireland are “positive” but said that vigilance is needed and he believes in wearing masks where possible.
He 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.
“The news is good in respect of the Omicron variant, but we have to be mindful of other variants.
“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.”
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