Masks are now recommended ‘on busy streets’ and the public is being asked to use ‘common sense’

Updated 25 minutes ago

PEOPLE WILL NOW BE ASKED to wear face masks or blankets on “busy streets” and in other settings under new government guidance.

In an address to the nation tonight, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the government’s guidance on wearing masks has had “an incredibly positive impact” and is being expanded.

“The government is also updating its guide on masks. In July, we introduced a guide to wearing masks indoors. And this has had an incredibly positive impact, ”he said.

We are now adding to that guide and, starting December 1, people will also be asked to wear their masks outdoors on busy streets, in crowded indoor workplaces, and in places of worship.

The measure means that masks will be recommended in the places cited above, but it is different from the legal requirement that people use on public transportation and in stores where failure to do so can result in fines.

“We don’t think about going down that road, that’s not what we’re here for,” the Taoiseach said when asked about this distinction. “I think people have responded magnificently in terms of shopping and public transportation.”

When asked what constitutes a ‘busy street’, the Taoiseach said:

“I think we know what a busy street is and we know what a busy street is and I think we need to be practical and use common sense here. Henry Street or Grafton Street or Patrick Street, you name all the busy streets in the run-up to Christmas, they will be busy and on many occasions they will be the equivalent of the mall or the mall, so ‘I’m asking people to wear the masks as an extra precaution on those streets and also in crowded workplaces. “