Mask-wearing requirement to end on 28 February

The Irish Government has confirmed that from 28 February, there will be no legal requirement to wear a mask in Ireland in any setting, including hair and beauty salons, and spas.

Mask-wearing will still be advised on public transport and in healthcare settings, said Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) said that it has considered the mask-wearing requirement changes and advises that salons have open dialogue with team members about the use of masks/face coverings in the workplace.

“An employer may wish to retain a mask-wearing policy, as part of their overall infection control measures, which may be included as part of the Covid Response Plan,” it said. “The employer can continue providing masks and can continue to support and encourage the use of them in the workplace. Salons should note that if they wish to ask clients to continue to adhere to a mask-wearing policy, this is done on a voluntary basis only.

“Where an employee is advising a client about a mask-wearing policy, we recommend providing workers with a script to support them in this task.

“Many team members and clients will remain vulnerable, and many people remain extremely nervous; thus, open communication, mutual respect and support is essential as the industry moves into this transitional phase. Whatever way you decide to proceed, it is important to clearly display your policy for your clients to see, and to have a clear understanding of your policy within your team. Communication is key.”

Other changes to Covid-19 restrictions, effective from 28 February, include rules around testing and close contacts. Those who test positive for the virus will still be required to isolate for seven days, and on days eight, nine and 10 they will have to wear a mask. But anyone who is a close contact will no longer have to restrict their movements.

Covid testing will be reserved for those who are vulnerable, with those under 55 and in good health, and over 55 and fully vaccine-boosted, no longer advised to take Covid tests. 

Furthermore, there is to be no vaccine mandates for public or healthcare workers, but they will be encouraged to have a jab.

“All of those changes are coming into place on 28 February and this is the next step that we are taking towards living with Covid as an endemic virus, one that we manage in the way that we have managed viruses like the flu, for example, in the past,” said the Tánaiste.