Mandatory mask wearing to end Monday

Most public health measures will come to an end next week.

The Cabinet agreed today end almost all restrictions from next Monday.

Mask wearing in schools, shops and on public transport will be voluntary from Monday, but they will still be required in health care.

The public are being advised they should continue to wear masks on public transport, but it wont be a legal requirement.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will be wound-up, but the Chief Medical Officer will continue to monitor the "epidemiological profile of the disease".

Testing and tracing will be scaled back and physical distancing measures in schools, such as pods, will also end next week.

A statement issued by the government this afternoon noted that the current profile of COVID-19 in Ireland continues to provide "a broadly stable and positive outlook."

“Following a recent moderate increase – particularly amongst young adults – the number of infections detected per day remains high but has stabilised, and may be starting to decrease.

“While the burden on our hospitals remains significant, it is relatively stable.”

The statement advised that due to the Omicron variant, people should still isolate if they are symptomatic (even if fully vaccinated and boosted) or if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

The statement also advised completing your primary and booster programme of vaccination and continuing to manage risk for yourself and others who are more vulnerable including by wearing masks, physical distancing and avoiding crowds as well as basic hand and respiratory hygiene.