The possibility for the further easing of Ireland's Covid rules will be discussed at a crunch NPHET meeting on Thursday.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan as well as other public health officials will consider whether mask-wearing should continue in the currently mandated settings.
While the majority of restrictions were lifted last month after an address to the nation by Taoiseach Micheal Martin on January 21, some measures are still in place.
The remaining restrictions are:
- requirements for mask wearing in all settings where currently regulated for
- protective measures in schools and early learning and care facilities
Mask wearing is required on public transport, in shops, for hospitality workers and in healthcare settings.
Ireland's Covid rules are due to lapse on February 28 and NPHET will convene this afternoon to consider ending the requirement to mask-up in these settings and within schools before then.
It is expected that the requirement for primary and secondary school students to wear a face-covering in classrooms will be dropped.
It is also anticipated that mask-wearing in retail settings and on public transport will become optional, although the rules are likely to stay in place for healthcare workers and on planes.
It comes after Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath presented a petition from over 14,000 parents and grandparents calling for the face masks in classrooms rule to be scrapped.
Mr McGrath said we should “let the children smile” again in our schools.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the motivation behind the rule is “an honourable one” that was agreed with all the stakeholders in education.
“It is time to get rid of this draconian measure, which is causing strife, ill health, stress and torment to children, parents, grandparents and communities," Mr McGrath said.
The Taoiseach responded: “The motivation behind the recommendation and the public health advice with regard to masks was an honourable one to try to protect children and teachers.
“This was in consultation with all the stakeholders in education.
“There will be a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, and there will be advice in relation to this.”
The potential lifting of most Covid measures comes as new figures show that 108 deaths related to coronavirus were recorded in the past week.
There has been a total of 6,399 deaths related to the virus reported in Ireland to date, according to the HPSC.
A further 9,881 new cases of the virus were also reported on Wednesday.
