Mask-wearing not being introduced in public places in Ireland

The public health advice at the moment is not to go back to wearing face masks in public places, according to the Taoiseach.

The Government is, however, reportedly set to approve the drafting of new legislation to enforce mandatory mask-wearing in some settings during a health crisis.

All the emergency powers and legislation underpinning the response to the Covid crisis were allowed to lapse earlier this year as the threat from infection subsided.

Micheál Martin said that while Covid-19 is a part of life for the longer term, mask-wearing is not currently being reintroduced.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland has been increasing, with concerns bring raised about the rise in hospital admissions. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation had called for masks to be reintroduced.

“The public advice at the moment is not to go down that particular route, but we have to take on board that cases are rising so people have to be vigilant,” said the Taoiseach. “People should wear masks if they feel that it protects them and if they're of a view that that's in their best interests, but it's personal responsibility at this particular point in time. 

“Covid is with us for the longer term. What I would appeal to people is to get vaccinated, particularly those who have been recommended for a fourth vaccine. Please get vaccinated because we know vaccination works in terms of preventing serious illness and death and that's the key message that I would have for people who are not vaccinated or haven't taken their fourth vaccination.”

Meanwhile, HSE chief executive Paul Reid warned that mandatory face masks could return on public transport and other enclosed public spaces.

“I think any time we get a trend like we’re getting at the moment it has to trigger considerations for reduced transmission,” he said. “We’re strongly watching what’s happening. Our immediate priority is hospital cases, which are significantly rising.”

Mandatory mask-wearing ended in February, however, the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) advised salons to make their own informed decisions by having an open dialogue with team members about the use of face coverings in the workplace.