The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation insisted new policy making it mandatory for face masks to be worn in healthcare settings was 'welcome news' yesterday.
The move means it is now necessary for all healthcare workers who provide care within two metres of a patient to wear a face mask.
It also applies to any of their colleagues who come within two metres of them for more than 15 minutes.
The INMO said this will result in almost all frontline healthcare workers wearing face masks.
Until now, many parts of the health service did not require or permit staff in all areas to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
The INMO contacted the Chief Clinical Officer on April 3 and stressed that they believed the move to make face masks mandatory in Irish healthcare settings was necessary
A number of hospitals including the country's largest facility St James’ Hospital in Dublin and Mayo University Hospital have already rolled out the new policy.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said: “This is welcome news to frontline staff and patients, which should ease some anxiety and reduce transmission of the virus.
“This should have been rolled out weeks ago, but we are glad to have finally secured this measure. It will not only benefit frontline healthcare workers, but will reduce the risk of transmission to patients.
“The next step must be ensuring sufficient supplies are available for all health workers, and continuous PPE training where needed.”
Independent Mayo County Councillor MIchael Kilcoyne said: "I think it's a positive move and we should be doing everything we can to protect the health of frontline staff and the general public."
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinlive - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
