Shoppers, schoolchildren, and users of public transport could soon no longer have to wear masks.
NPHET has today recommended the end of mandatory mask-wearing in retail settings, schools and public transport.
However, the wearing of masks will continue in healthcare settings.
The move would take effect from February 28th, and would mark a major step in a return to life pre-pandemic.
Health officials have recommenced those who feel they need to wear facemasks will be supported.
While testing and tracing will also be scaled back, with the details of such a move to be finalised.
The mandatory wearing of face masks was officially introduced in Ireland on August 10th 2020.
Beaumont Hospital consultant, Bill Tormey, disagrees with NPHET's decision on mask-wearing.
"At the moment if you look at the evidence, there are about 8,000 people every day testing positive in the state, I wouldn't mind if we have less than 1,000 cases in the whole state a day, but that's not the case. It just rolls on and rolls on like a tsunami going through the population. This decision is just not good enough."
Meanwhile, Dr Tony Holohan has indicated today may have marked the last meeting of NPHET.
The group didn't set a date for the next meeting and the Chief Medical Officer indicated there would be a new way of monitoring the spread of Covid-19 from here on in.
🔚 Understood Tony Holohan also told NPHET members today may be their last meeting - as he has submitted proposals to Stephen Donnelly for overhauling the national response.
Unlike any previous occasions, the meeting ended without setting a date to meet again…@VirginMediaNews— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 17, 2022
More to follow
