COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting

With effect from Monday 28 February:

• the mandatory requirement to wear masks will be removed, while the public health advice that masks should continue to be worn on public transport and in healthcare settings remains
• advice in relation to COVID-19 symptoms, cases and close contacts is changing
• critical components of our collective response remain – rapid isolation if you are symptomatic, completing your vaccination course, continuing to manage risk for yourself and others who are more vulnerable

The government met on Tuesday 22 February and considered the most recent advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

The government noted that the current epidemiological 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.

Omicron is still with us so there are critical components which still require our collective response:

• isolate if you are symptomatic (even if you are fully vaccinated and boosted) or if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
• complete your primary and booster programme of vaccination
• continue 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

The government agreed that the following public health advice will continue to be important:

• the wearing of masks on public transport will continue to be advised. The Department of Transport will engage with the public transport and taxi sectors on how best to communicate the latest public health advice and having regard to the potential concerns of more vulnerable clients
• the continuation of mask wearing in healthcare settings in line with evolving national guidance
• continuing infection prevention and control measures in early learning settings, school-aged childcare, primary and post-primary schools, including in relation to ventilation, hygiene measures and advice to stay at home if symptomatic
• during this transition phase, the current arrangements in place in respect of the schools', early learning and school-aged care facilities antigen testing programme will also continue

The government has agreed that the following measures will be removed with effect from Monday 28 February:

• legal requirements for mask wearing in all settings where currently regulated for

and

• specific protective measures in place in schools and early learning and school-aged childcare facilities (for example: pods, social distancing and staggering of breaks)

The government also accepted the updated public health advice in relation to isolation and testing requirements for COVID-19 symptoms, cases and close contacts. This reflects a transition from extensive case finding and tracing of infection to reduce transmission, towards a response focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19.

Therefore, with effect from Monday 28 February, the following advice applies in relation to COVID-19 symptoms, cases and close contacts during this transition phase.