NPHET recommends masks be made optional on public transport and in retail, education settings

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has proposed an easing of the current face mask requirements after a meeting earlier today.

According to The Irish Times, NHPET reportedly agreed that face coverings should only be required in healthcare settings, meaning they will no longer be obligatory in schools and retail settings, or on public transport. It would also no longer apply to staff in customer facing roles, such as restaurants and pubs.

The rule for schools is likely to be dropped next week, with public transport and shops changing later this month. It was indicated last month that a review of those restrictions, such as the wearing of face masks, would take place by 28 February.

Health officials are understood to have been positive about the progress made against Covid-19 during the briefing, paving the way for the lifting of remaining Covid restrictions.

The group is also thought to have given the green-light for a radical shake up of the testing system. It will reportedly concentrate more on people in their early 50s and older, as well as those who are vulnerable.

People who are vaccinated and deemed close contacts will no longer need to get a PCR test, which will reduce the demand on the system. The general advice will be for people with symptoms of Covid-19 to self isolate until they are better.

NPHET are also due to discuss the requirement for children aged between nine and 12 to wear face masks in schools, a rule which has been in place since early December, on Thursday.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, made sure to thank the group's members, explaining that today's meeting may be the last in NPHET's current form.

As the country moves from a Covid-19 state of emergency, the Government's approach will presumably become more normalised.

Dr Holohan will now convey the group's recommendations to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, who will bring the advice to Cabinet.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said last week said it would be his personal preference that adults would continue to wear masks in retail settings and on public transport.

A spokesman for the Taoiseach told reporters today that while he holds that personal opinion, he believes face mask wearing should not be a legal mandatory requirement, but guidance only and a matter of personal choice.

Speaking last week, Martin said: “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.”

There are currently 639 people in hospital with the virus. The number of people receiving treatment in ICU is now 58, a decrease of four from Wednesday.

🚨😷 NPHET has told government that masks should remain mandatory in healthcare settings - but recommends that they can now be made optional in retail, education and on public transport. @VirginMediaNews

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 17, 2022