Coronavirus Ireland: Everything you need to know as face coverings become compulsory in shops

New coronavirus rules which will make the wearing of face coverings inside retail outlets and other indoor settings will come into effect today.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin announced the new Covid-19 rules a number of weeks ago after he confirmed that Ireland would not move ahead with phase 4 of lifting coronavirus restrictions would not be going ahead.

The rule was brought in as health chiefs have reiterated repeated advice that face coverings are beneficial in stopping the spread of droplets which fall when a person sneezes, coughs or even speaks.

The rule was previously introduced for public transport but will now apply to other indoor settings such as shopping centres, libraries and bingo halls.

Mr Martin said: "As we have seen with face coverings on public transport and the many other requests that have been made for citizens over the course of the pandemic.

Members of the public wearing face masks on Henry Street, Dublin during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

"When people are given a clear direction they follow it."

Retailers have been told to encourage the use of masks while shopping in the first instance.

Anyone not wearing a face covering in supermarkets or on public transport faces a maximum fine of €2,500 or six months in jail.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said gardai will enforce the rule as a "last resort".

The law is the same as it is with masks on public transport and it can be enforced under the Irish Health Act 1947 as amended in 2020.

The new rules come as Kildare, Laois and Offaly have all been placed under local lockdowns following a spike in coronavirus cases.

Under the new restrictions, pubs and restaurants will close, except for the serving of delivery or take-away food under the new measures to battle Covid-19.

Retail outlets, playgrounds and childcare services can remain open, while preparations for schools returning this month can continue.

Visits to prisons, acute hospitals and nursing homes will be suspended except on compassionate grounds.

The rest of the country has been urged not to travel to these counties, unless for essential work purposes.

Households are asked to restrict visitors to just six people from no more than three households.

Groups of no more than 15 people should meet up outdoors.