Facemasks No Longer Mandatory In Healthcare Settings

Wednesday, 19 April 2023 08:58

By Caoimhe Harney

The use of masks is still recommended in certain settings

The wearing of face masks in hospitals and other healthcare settings is no longer required from today.

The mandatory use of personal protective equipment in healthcare settings was introduced during the pandemic as part of measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The decision to remove the requirement was announced in public health guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre earlier this month.

However, it specified that the use of masks would still be recommended in certain circumstances.

The HPSC said healthcare workers should use a surgical mask or respirator mask "at a minimum, for interaction with patients with respiratory viral symptoms".

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