HSE Says It Will Consider Re-Introducing Mandatory Mask-Wearing Amid Rising Covid Cases

Monday, 20 June 2022 16:28

By Caoimhe Harney

606 patients in total are in hospitals with Covid today - a 33% increase on last week.

The HSE's considering re-introducing mandatory mask-wearing amid rising Covid cases.

However, a number of leading health experts feel it's not the best way of keeping the current surge at bay.

HSE CEO Paul Reid has said the return of mandatory mask wearing in certain settings would be 'actively considered'.

However, he told the Examiner keeping the virus at bay within hospitals and care settings would be their priority.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are among the groups who are calling for mandatory masks on public trasport.

Some 606 patients in total are in hospitals with Covid today - a 33 percent increase on last week.

More than 300 people in hospital with Covid are there because of the virus, says the HSE.

Infectious Diseases Consultant Eoghan de Barra says less emphasis should be placed on face coverings, and more on the rollout of the booster:

More from National News

New W6 Timetable Launches Today After Months Of Commuter Complaints

The updated timetable follows direct engagement between Go-Ahead, the Department of Transport and local representatives.
"You’d Need to Win the Lotto": Suncroft Mother Faces €10k Bill For Son’s Sensory Room With No State Help

Audio

Sarah Hogan's eight-year-old son Scott, who turns eight this month, is non-verbal, requires 24-hour care and attends a special needs school.
Garda Launch Christmas And New Year Road Safety Drive As Death Toll Hits 166

There will be a more visible roads policing presence over the coming weeks, as drivers are being advised to slow down and take care.
Landlords Who Billed Student - Including A Charge For Studying At Dining Table - Ordered To Pay €7,000

While he was in France, the landlords changed the locks, threatened to “pull every single pence” from him, and advertised his room online. They also contacted Maynooth University, alleging that he owed them money.
Tributes Flow As Architect And Broadcaster Hugh Wallace Dies Suddenly At 68

Wallace spoke openly about his struggles with alcoholism and the decision to seek treatment, saying it had given him “a second chance at life”.
Maynooth University Satellite Hitches Ride On Musk Rocket For New Star-Tracking Mission

The team at Maynooth University, led by astrophysicist Dr Emma Whelan, will use the satellite to study young, developing stars called Herbig Ae/Be stars.
Castletown Cost To Taxpayer Under Scrutiny As OPW Pressed On Missed Buyout Windows

The OPW also confirmed the business case behind the multimillion-euro deal will be published - but only “in due course”.
E-Scooters Driving Brain Injuries In Children, Doctors Warn Ahead Of Christmas

Audio

The Royal College of Physicians is calling for urgent action as its members deal with the fall out of accidents involving children using them.