Monday marks another 'freedom day' for Ireland as almost all of the remaining Covid rules are lifted.
From today, masks will only be mandated in healthcare settings with recommendations in place for public transport.
Face coverings will no longer be required in retail settings such as shops and supermarkets.
They are also no longer required when travelling on public transport, in schools, or for staff working in hospitality settings.
However, when it comes to public transport, the public health advice is to still don a mask when on trains, busses or trams.
According to the government, Covid "is still with us and there are critical components which still require our collective response".
These state:
- "isolate if you are symptomatic (even if you are fully vaccinated and boosted) or if you are diagnosed with Covid-19"
- "complete your primary and booster programme of vaccination"
- "continue to manage risk for yourself and others who are more vulnerable. You can do this by wearing masks, physical distancing and avoiding crowds as well as maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene"
The following public health advice "will continue to be important":
- "the continuation of mask wearing on public transport
- "the continuation of mask wearing in healthcare settings in line with evolving national guidance
- "continuing infection prevention and control measures in early learning settings, school-aged childcare and schools, including ventilation, hygiene measures and advice to stay at home if symptomatic
- "current arrangements in place in respect of the schools’, early learning and school-aged care facilities’ antigen testing programme will also continue"
The rules on close contacts also change from Monday.
People in contact with a confirmed case and who have no Covid symptoms are no longer need to test or isolate, regardless of their vaccination status.
Symptomatic close contacts are still advised to self-isolate.
