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:

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