Face masks could be soon be thing of the past as NPHET have reportedly agreed to end the requirement to wear them in a number of settings.
The National Public Health Emergency Team met today to discuss the possibility of lifting the remaining Covid-19 restrictions, with masks at the forefront of the conversation.
It is understood that a move from mandatory to voluntary mask-wearing is to be proposed for a number of different sectors, awaiting approval from the Government.
This means that masks could become voluntary in retail settings, but will still be mandatory in healthcare.
In relation to a time frame, it is not yet known when NPHET recommended that masks would become voluntarily. However, in the original timeline of re-opening outlined by Taoiseach Micheal Martin on January 21, face masks would be mandatory until February 28.
This means that, should the Government choose to accept the advice from NPHET and not renew the mandate or lift it sooner, we could be just 11 days away from voluntary mask-wearing.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is on board with scrapping masks and said he wants to see the end to mandatory face coverings in schools, shops and public transport “straight away”.
He also said that this is just his personal opinion and that he was waiting to hear what NPHET’s official advice would be.
The Green Party Leader was asked by Labour’s Alan Kelly on masks in schools, to which Minister Ryan said: "My view is that we should start immediately to remove requirement in school. I have same view for retail and public transport."
On the other side, Dermot O’Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union, said that members expressed concern over changes to the current mandate.
He said on RTE’s Morning Ireland that it would be better to wait until the end of March when there were fewer colds and coughs going around.
This comes as CMO Dr Tony Holohan is to make a new proposal for the future management of Covid-19.
The Irish Times reports that this is a “significant step towards standing down” NPHET as it is now.
