The Department of Health has renewed its advice on mask-wearing as the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital rises.
There are currently 453 Covid-19 patients hospitalised, with 72 new admissions in the last 24 hours.
The Department of Health issued renewed advice online, saying: "Wearing a face mask is advised on public transport and in healthcare settings.
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"People who are vulnerable to Covid-19 are advised to be aware of the risk associated with activities they may choose to engage in and to wear a face mask for enhanced protection."
They said wearing masks should be worn in all healthcare settings and the public should consider wearing them in crowded indoor settings.
The Department also said that "anyone who wishes to continue wearing masks should not be discouraged from doing so".
The following Covid-19 advice is still active in Ireland:
- Isolate if you are symptomatic (even if you are fully vaccinated and boosted) or if you are diagnosed with Covid-19.
- Complete your primary and booster programme of vaccination.
- Continue to manage risk for yourself and others who are more vulnerable. You can do this by wearing masks, physical distancing and avoiding crowds as well as maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene.
The following is also encouraged by the Department of Health:
- The continuation of mask wearing on public transport.
- The continuation of mask wearing in healthcare settings in line with evolving national guidance.
- Continuing infection prevention and control measures in early learning settings, school-aged childcare and schools, including ventilation, hygiene measures and advice to stay at home if symptomatic.
- Current arrangements in place in respect of the schools’, early learning and school-aged care facilities’ antigen testing programme will also continue.
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