Cabinet Agrees To End Legal Requirement For Masks

Tuesday, 22 February 2022 11:55

By Caoimhe Harney

From Monday 28th February.

The cabinet has agreed to end the legal requirement to wear a mask from next Monday.

They'll be optional on public transport and in shops and schools.

PCR testing is also set to be scaled down.

Most people under the age of 55 won't be eligible for a PCR test from next Monday.

The changes also mean close contacts of someone with Covid who don't have symptoms will no longer have to isolate.

Sam Kenny is a a mother to child, Ava, who is in the vulnerable category, she thinks the move is premature.

She spoke with Ciara Noble on Tuesday's Kildare Focus:

The Teachers Union of Ireland has expressed concern at the move, saying it is worried about vulnerable teachers and students.

Union president Martin Marjoram says infection levels in schools are still high:

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar says PCR testing won't be open to under 55s who are in good health:

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says they'll keep monitoring any new variants that emerge:

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.