Top public health officials are set to meet this week to assess the current situation with Covid-19 in Ireland.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan will join other NPHET members on Thursday to discuss the impact an easing of further restrictions could have on the country.
While the majority of rules 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.
These public health rules are due to stay in place until February 28.
No final decision has been made as yet about the potential further relaxing of rules in two weeks' time.
However, Dr Holohan has said there will be an “ongoing need” to retain some public health measures such as mask-wearing to reduce risk.
He said: “In advising that social and economic restrictions could be removed, the NPHET stressed that the pandemic is not over and that with a significant level of infection nationally, Covid-19 still poses a risk to public health.
“In this regard, there will be an ongoing need to retain some public health measures to reduce risk."
As for primary schools, he advised that: “Protective measures should remain in place in primary and secondary schools, masks should continue to be worn in all settings where currently regulated for, and we must continue to encourage everyone to complete their primary and booster programmes of vaccination.
“Masks will also continue to play a key role in reducing transmission of Covid-19.
“It is important that people wear the mask that is most appropriate to them and the circumstances they may be in, ensuring it is well fitted and worn correctly.”
The Taoiseach has also indicated that masks should continue to be worn even after NPHET lifts the mandate.
The Fianna Fail leader said a meeting to discuss removing mandatory mask wearing and other remaining Covid restrictions would be held in coming weeks.
Speaking in France last week, he said the meeting will be held “just to try and take stock of the situation” and to “map out the situation for the remainder of the year”.
He stressed that his stance on masks was his own personal view and would not influence decisions if NPHET gives the go ahead to get rid of the mandatory requirement.
Mr Martin said the numbers and news in Ireland are “positive” but said that vigilance is needed and he believes in wearing masks where possible.
“Irrespective of whether it is mandated or not, I would recommend that people would wear masks in retail and public transport for some time yet," he said.
“The news is good in respect of the Omicron variant, but we have to be mindful of other variants.
“I think the emphasis now is to make sure we continue our investment in public health and that we have systems in place that are resilient and adaptable to any future outbreaks and maybe of other variants.
“That also relates to the vaccination structures that we have so that we can respond again and are in a position particularly towards the latter part of the year in terms of vaccinating particularly the more vulnerable groups in our society.”
