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The use of face covers in stores and on public transportation may be required as part of reducing the restrictions introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19, public health officials said.
Facial covers can form an “important part” of the response “in certain circumstances” as the restrictions are eased, according to medical director Dr. Tony Holohan.
Guidance on “brief use” was being developed in settings such as public transportation or retail, he said at a briefing at Government Buildings on the Government’s roadmap on Covid-19 restrictions.
However, it was important to ensure continuity in the supply of health-grade face masks for health workers and patients, he emphasized.
Schools will not reopen until the new academic year for the “general school population,” said Health Minister Simon Harris.
While there was a desire to see the Leaving Cert move forward, it was now up to the educational partners to decide how to move forward on this, he said.
Dr. Holohan indicated that it will depend on the sector to show social distancing and other principles can be respected in the conduct of the exam.
Mr. Harris described the government’s plan as a “life and breath document” on the return to “some kind of new normal.”
The roadmap was about “trying to strike a balance” and build on progress “without jeopardizing it.”
He warned that the opportune moment for the incorrect lifting of the measures would risk lives and moving too soon in this direction risks a failure that would have a “devastating” impact on thousands of people.
He described the plan as a “partnership with the people” and said it should be “owned by everyone in the country.”
“If we don’t do it right, we will end up standing or even going backwards.”
The path would be difficult but it would be worth it.
“It is difficult, but I can assure you that the alternative is much worse.”
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