Following public health advice, the majority of Ireland’s Covid rules are to end on Monday, February 28th
The biggest change to the rules will see wearing face masks removed.
People will be expected to exercise their own judgement and focus on ‘personal responsibility'.
While it will no longer be compulsory to wear masks in schools, at work, or in shops.
There is a recommendation to continue wearing masks in the following places;
- on public transport
- in healthcare settings
There should still be infection prevention and control measures in early learning settings, childcare, schools, including ventilation, and hygiene measures.
If you develop symptoms of Covid-19, there is still a recommendation that you should still isolate if you are symptomatic even if you are fully vaccinated and boosted.
- You should 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
- current arrangements in place in respect of the schools’, early learning and school-aged care facilities’ antigen testing programme will also continue
What should I do from Monday for Covid-19 symptoms, close contacts and testing?
If you have a confirmed Covid-19 infection or symptoms of Covid you should do the following;
It is recommended you self-isolate and get a PCR test. Follow public health advice on the test result.
- You should wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days and self-isolate for 7 days
- If you are aged 55 years and older AND not boosted
- You have a high-risk medical condition
- are immunocompromised
- Live in the same household as a person who is immunocompromised
- If you provide care or support for a person they know to be immunocompromised
- If you are pregnant
The Department of Health recommends that if you are a healthcare worker identified as a household close contact.
You should repeat antigen testing is required unless you have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 3 months.
International travel
There is no change to the current measures in place regarding international travel, including the requirement for a Digital Covid Certificate.
