Public health officials are recommending the use of face masks in some public settings this Christmas as a surge has been seen in the number of illnesses from Covid to the Flu.
Mask-wearing on public transport, in shops and at mass this Christmas are all included in the latest advice by Chief Medical Officer, Breda Smyth, and is backed by the HSE’s Covid chief, Colm Henry.
Professor Smyth urged the public to be extremely cautious while out and about shopping, commuting, and socialising this Christmas after a huge spike in Covid cases was seen this month.
READ MORE: HSE worker who allegedly robbed post offices could spend Christmas in jail
In a grim update, she said we are now “back in the eye of a respiratory virus storm” as she updated her official advice to start wearing masks again on buses, trains, and in crowded places.
According to the latest figures, the number of Covid cases has increased by 75%, while hospital admissions are up 90%.
There were 120 people who tested positive for Covid in hospitals as of Wednesday morning, while 19 people were receiving Covid treatment in the ICU.
It is also important to know that mask-wearing will not be made mandatory by the Government at this stage.
Speaking about the latest surge in cases, Professor Smyth said: “Over Christmas we will see large scale social mixing, we will also see mass transit of people on public transport going from East to West, or West to East, or North to South, be it on whatever mode of public transport.
“And one thing we all can do to protect the vulnerable on the public transport, but also ourselves, is by wearing a mask.
“Our population and society has demonstrated how we can act in solidarity with one another and that we do care for one another.
“I think if we are to wear a mask, now is the time to wear it.”
She added: “Wear that mask on public transport and also in the shopping period over the coming week, it’s really important to wear a mask on public transport…. There are a lot of vulnerable people who do attend religious services, so I think it’s important that you make that key decision.
“Number one, if you have symptoms, you don’t attend the service, number two, if you are in a vulnerable group, it is recommended that you would wear a mask if you are going into a crowded setting.
“And I think as a population then, people who are not in a vulnerable population category, we can always make that protective measure to care for others and to ensure that we reduce transmission.”
READ NEXT:
Ireland weather: Met Eireann warnings come to end amid 'bright spell' before big change
Social welfare Ireland: Major money changes expected within weeks as Christmas warning given
Victoria Beckham says David is 'heartbroken' over school request from daughter Harper
The best Christmas food and drink deals in Supervalu, Tesco, Lidl and Aldi
Conor McGregor blocks Paul McGrath on Twitter as row over PJ Gallagher tweet continues
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
