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LAST UPDATE | 18 Feb 2022
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has confirmed that regulations that required people to wear masks on public transport, in schools and in shops are set to be lifted from Monday week, as NPHET’s letter to the Health Minister was published this evening.
In Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan’s latest advice to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, it stated that PCR testing will now differentiate between those at high risk of Covid-19 who would benefit from earlier treatment, and other people.
“As such, testing will no longer be needed for clinical or public health purposes for otherwise healthy younger people (<55 years) with symptoms,” it said, adding that the HSE “will support access to antigen testing for those in this group” as part of a transition period.
The letter also said that PCR testing will be recommended to symptomatic people who: have not had a booster dose and are aged 55 years and older; those deemed most at-risk and members of their households; carers; and pregnant women.
Asymptomatic close contacts will not need to restrict their movements, according to this latest advice; but if they develop symptoms, they should still self-isolate.
Dr Holohan also states in his letter that given the stage of the pandemic that we have reached, “it is now deemed timely to conclude the work of the NPHET”.
“My office will continue to closely monitor the epidemiological profile of the disease and I have today sent you a specific proposal on the appropriate structure and processes for this.”
The letter also stressed the need to shift from “emergency-type processes and measures” but also to keep maintaining “high levels of readiness for Covid-19 outbreaks” and new variants, meaning a “significant strengthening of existing disease surveillance systems”.
Cabinet is due to meet on Tuesday to consider NPHET’s latest, and last advice.
Taoiseach: Govt will be accepting NPHET’s advice
Speaking earlier today, the Taoiseach confirmed that the Government would be accepting the advice set out by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on making mask-wearing advisory rather than mandatory.
“We are moving from the emergency phase of the pandemic to a new transitionary phase,” said Martin.
Martin said that NPHET were satisfied with the current trajectory of Covid-19 and that a public-health rationale for the restrictions was no longer there.
He did say, however, that the disease was not gone now that restrictions are being removed, but that the conversion rate from Covid-19 cases to hospitalisations was not significant.
The Journal reported earlier this week that it is expected that face-mask wearing is likely to become optional shortly in areas such as shops and on public transport.
While mask-wearing will no longer be mandatory in retail, education and public transport settings, it will remain mandatory in healthcare settings.
People, where they feel comfortable, will take their own decisions and personal behaviour is going to be very important here.
“People may feel more comfortable wearing masks, but they won’t be mandatory.”
Martin said that he would continue to wear a mask in shops and on public transport.
The Taoiseach also confirmed that NPHET would be wound down, following recommendations by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.
He thanked the team for their work over the pandemic, saying that many had done so voluntarily.
“I want to pay tribute to NPHET and thank all the members of NPHET for the work that they have done,” said Martin.
In particular, he thanked Holohan for his work as CMO during the pandemic in what he said were “very difficult circumstances” over a longer period than most people expected.
“We saw other jurisdictions where public health advice was put to one side, with very negative consequences for the people in such jurisdictions.”
Fundamentally, if you look at the mortality rate of Ireland relative to others, I think Ireland has performed relatively well in relation to Covid-19.
Martin said despite the plans to wind down the team, the Government would continue to require public health advice on Covid-19 and potential future variants.
He also said that as the country moves from the emergency phase, lessons needed to be learned from the pandemic to ensure that the health system is resilient and that there is a strong public health element within the health service.
- Contains reporting by Gráinne Ní Aodha.
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Micheal Martin said he will continue to wear one in shops and on public transport.
When was the last time he travelled on public transport?
@Rab C Nesbitt: the public are paying for his transport.
@Rab C Nesbitt: oh my, the life of the whingers… Been in charge of running a country, yourself, recently??
@Rab C Nesbitt: when an election is happening
@JohnDoe: February 20th, 2025.
@Rab C Nesbitt: he is the leader of the country how do you expect him to travel? Utter nonsense
But multiple outbreaks causing shutting of offices etc. Why not just keep the masks for another while?
@TheDublinGirly:
Why buy just wear one if you want or not of you don’t.
@TheDublinGirly: Because they are a curse to wear and try and remember to be putting them on and off going into shops and trying to talk through them when meeting someone. I have my suspicions we’ll see negligible change in case numbers without masks in any case as they do v little for the spread of the virus.
@TheDublinGirly: They are not banning the wearing of masks- those that are concerned should buy good quality ones that give personal protection.
@TheDublinGirly: say what your really thinking?
Let’s return to level 5 restrictions and close everywhere.
@Anthony Guinnessy: honestly, if the bain of your life is managing to put on and take off a mask you should be grateful
@Ciara McCorley: “you should be grateful”
Grateful to have to wear an ineffective cloth mask?
What a bleak outlook.
@Anthony Guinnessy: It’s pretty simple to put on if your going into a shop or using transport. I’m sure it was a lot more inconvenient for healthcare workers who had to wear full PPE for hours on end while also looking after their patients. I wear one while working and have no issues communicating with my clients. After two years it should be second nature.
@Will: Grateful that you have nothing more important to worry about
@Anthony Guinnessy: It’s not that difficult. Grow up. I’ve a class of 9 to 12 year olds who whinge about their masks less than mopes like you.
@alan scott: what indication was there she was really thinking that?
@Heather Knowles: the only real effective mask to protect one’s self is an n95 mask
But what about the CoNtRoL oF dE ShEePLe AnD tHe GrEaT rEsEt?
@Lee King Buckett: I haven’t read anyone spouting about the ‘GrEaT rEsEt’ here apart from you (repeatedly). You seem obsessed with this nonsense.
@Lee King Buckett: get over it lad
@Lee King Buckett: still banging everyone with thoughts that didn’t chime with yours together with lazy stereotypes…says everything about you really!
Never stop asking questions people.
@Lee King Buckett:
Great Reset already started
https://www.weforum.org/great-reset
There is an urgent need for global stakeholders to cooperate in simultaneously managing the direct consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. To improve the state of the world, the World Economic Forum is starting The Great Reset initiative.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Reset
The Great Reset is the name of the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), held in June 2020. It brought together high-profile business and political leaders, convened by Charles, Prince of Wales and the WEF, with the theme of rebuilding society and the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.[1]
@Lee King Buckett: And he’s off……again:):)
@Da Dell: I know exactly what it is and it’s actually the opposite of what the anti-vax anti mask loons were portraying it to be.
That’s why I specifically used font which identifies it as being sarcastic.
It seems even that went over your head…
@Hear me now: Baaaaaaaa
@Lee King Buckett: So more miss information from you then.
For last while only person banging on about anti-vax stuff is you.
Seems its you that follows them.
You are as bad as they are, the extremes of both sides are loons.
@Lee King Buckett: a sarcastic font?!?!
@Lee King Buckett: amazingly that’s the most coherent, sensible response I’ve got out of you. Well done!
@Da Dell: Out of interest, why don’t you explain what you think the great reset is about?
I’m looking forward to hearing your version of it…
@Lee King Buckett: You’re upsetting the reality deniers.
@Tommy Roche: I know, right?
It’s been a bad few months for them
Dolores Cahill – fired and warrant issued in the UK
Dolores Webster – arrested
Gemma O’Doherty – arrested
Antonio Mureddu – arrested
Tracey O’mahony – finally coming under pressure over her gofundme…
And now NPHET winding down, covid certs gone, masks on the way out and no mass deaths from vaccines
They must be really feeling the dumb – no wonder they’re all particularly snarky…
@Lee King Buckett: Lee, they’re all pedants. Whoosh, your sarcasm went clear over their simple heads…. I for one, appreciate it! :)
@Lee King Buckett: It was you that brought it up. I was at it in Davos, I don’t have an opinion yet, except so far decisions made have proved correct so far, company has made record profits since.
What do you think it means ?
@Lee King Buckett: Jays-us you really are a child.. or you need to get some help.
@Tommy Roche: You would be an expert in reality denying yourself..
@Da Dell: Now I’m intrigued – it was never spoken about at Davos. It was slated for 2021 but postponed until this year.
That aside, it’s no great mystery, Schwab has written a whole book on it, called ‘The Great Reset’ – cryptic I know, maybe that’s why you’ve missed it…
Anyway, it refers to a rest of capitalism, away from shareholders to stakeholders, sharing wealth more equally, promoting a more equal society and focusing more on the environment.
He argues that capitalism is facing a crisis and is at risk of destroying itself unless it starts sharing wealth more equally.
So, back to the question, what’s your interpretation of it? Have you read the book? Have you any idea about any of its key points or have you just gotten swept up in the conspiracy stories on the Web?
@Da Dell: So, come on, tell me what the Davis meeting was like – you know the one you were at where the great reset was discussed?
How does it feel to be completely caught out telling total porky pies?
On a related note, why would you be bothered inventing something like that? Would it be that you think it might make more people believe your theories or is it just to save face?
@Lee King Buckett: You seem a bit confused. Jan 2021 50th W.E.F annual meeting was announced as the “Great Reset” connecting both in person and online global leaders in Davis Switzerland with a multi stakeholder network in 400 cities around the world. The Great Reset was also to be the main theme of the W E.F’s summit in Lucerne May 2021 but was postponed till 2022.
@Franny Ando: Davos
@Franny Ando: I’m not confused at all.
1)Da Dell said he was at Davis when the Great Reset was discussed.
2) the last time the WEF met in Davis was January 2020 – the Great Reset was never discussed.
2) The great reset was announced as the theme for 2021 but the event was cancelled and hasn’t actually been held since.
Googling is not the same as reading dear boy.
@Lee King Buckett: W.E.F Davos Jan.21st to Jan.29th 2021. It was discussed. I suggest you check reputable websites. Reading is a pleasure this lady enjoys.
@Franny Ando: I guess it’s possible that I’m not actually typing in English at all but, to be on the safe side, I’ll try it again, in caps for clarity.
DAVOS DID NOT GO AHEAD IN 2021, IT WAS CANCELLED DIE TO COVID – THE LAST TIME DAVOS HAPPENED WAS 2019.
Assuming it came out in English on your screen then I take it that its relatively easy to understand?
Is there any picture available where Micheal Martin doesn’t look like a gormless gombeen?
@Ed: That’s a negative, he looks like one in real life too so there never will be such a photo!
@Ed: Loads,just open your eyes.
That’s all very well but what about Halloween
Hallelujah! Au-revoir les masques ! Now can we just take the advice of the experts, say ‘thank you!’ ( they’ve lead us to this point), and get on with out lives.
They hope everyone now catches Covid,especially this Omicron variation to build up natural antibodies.Sadly the number of deaths will increase of most vulnerable and looks like we’re all ready to accept that fact.
That question hasn’t surfaced in any mainstream media news outlet.Seems to be avoided completely. Encouraging us to ditch all safety protocols, what do you thinks gonna happen?
Good luck to you all out there.
@Kev Mak McClean: He’s not “encouraging us to ditch all safety protocols”, he’s actually encouraging people to behave responsibly (“personal behaviour is going to be very important”) and followed that up by saying he’s going to continue wearing masks in shops and on public transport. So, to me anyway, it appears he’s definitely not “*encouraging* us to ditch all safety protocols”, but encouraging us to use a bit of cop on, reminding us that it’s not gone, we’ve just entered a new phase.
@Kev Mak McClean:
Nobody has “ encouraged “ you to ditch any safety protocols. You are free to socially distance , stay indoors , don’t use public transport or visit pubs. You can wear a mask day and night should you wish
The rest of us are also free to decide how to approach our own personal safety.
This is better then you trying to “ mandate” my safety levels. I’ll decide that thanks.
@Kev Mak McClean: my parents are immunocompromised so I’m not ready to accept that fact.
@FrustratedASDMum: problem is that there are too many people with too little cop on
@Dave McCabe: there is such a thing as a social contract or do you support do away with that?
When was the last time that any prime minister here or around the world travelled on public transport? I think their personal safety would have been a major issue
@Tom Joe Ryan: I’m sure the Taoiseach is safe in this country.Say he likes his few cans on the train to a GAA match.
When did Micheal Martin last travel on public transport?
@Christine Downey: Ask him,I’m sure you might get answer then asking here.
It will be interesting to see how cases will present with the mask mandate removed.
@Franny Ando: Indeed – it’s all about control you know…
@Lee King Buckett: If you say so you appear to be an expert in these matters.
@Franny Ando: Your going to be so bored now,what is the next thing for the tinfoil brigade.
@Daniel Roche: I’m genuinely interested in how this will affect cases. But you revert to tinfoil name calling. Its very sad to see the abject ignorance of some people. Though not surprising really. It’s easier to mock then even attempt an intelligent response. It’s a sad indictment of today’s society.
@Franny Ando: We are likely past the peak of the Omicron wave, though it’s difficult to tell with stats no longer trustworthy. The virus is not spreading so fast because so many people have now had it within the last few months. We are on a trajectory to have most of the population infected anyhow, particularly those who are not taking extra precautions, but thankfully with a variant that is less fatal, and with better outcomes because of high vaccination levels. Wearing masks might slow that process down but it can’t stop it. Dropping the mask mandate may create a temporary pause in the decline in numbers but if anything will bring the end quicker. Let’s hope we don’t get another wave with a worse variant.
@Nicholas McMurry: Thank you. It will be interesting to see what the outcome will be. A temporary pause,an increase, a decrease. One way or another It should give a clearer insight into how the masks worked. No we definitely don’t need another variant of any kind:)
So if you do get covid and are.under 55 you cannot get a recovery cert now? You basically have to get your booster if you want to continue to travel?
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah , best news of the day.
Why are people opposed to this?
The flu is now making a comeback.
@Stephen Kelly: we live “ in a sea of pathogens “. Just get on with your life. My job isn’t to keep you safe.
@Dave McCabe: Why not? I think in future if I feel a cold coming I might wear a mask in shops and busses. After all, it doesn’t cost me much.
Jaysus the heading of this article has changed more times than the colour of my hair!
No mention of retail?
@james spice: Apart from saying that they are not required in retail settings in the first sentence, it’s not mentioned at all.
Maybe they will give more clarity later…
@Lee King Buckett:
@Lee King Buckett: the article has been updated since….
@james spice: And comments removed.
@Lee King Buckett: As others have already said it wasn’t in the article at first.
Scarlet for you and your pompous presumption of everything.
@Lee King Buckett: And now it’s changed again and a new headline.. do keep up.
@Da Dell: Oh dear, seems as if I have irked you… Its probably easier for you just to mute me really because I have no intention of not taking every opportunity to remind the loops how loopy they are.
If you’re not a loop, I’m not sure why you get so irked by it but there you go I guess…
@Da Dell: careful…he’ll whip out his junior cert results again to prove wat a clever little boy he is!
@Lee King Buckett: People in glass houses etc etc:)
@Lee King Buckett: Servile much?
anything that goes against the status quo & may force you to rethink your blinkered little existence is way too much for you, you just revert to name calling and stereotyping, sad really!
@Hear me now: Ah now, why all the salt – are you feeling really deflated by the fact that there actually was no global conspiracy?
Are you feeling a bit like Jimmy in Quadrophenia when he saw Sting in his bellboy outfit?
@Lee King Buckett: ah shur God love you.someone has to I suppose
When did I ever say anything about a global conspiracy? Not once.
Your problem & therw are many but your real problem is you cannot stand anyone who has an opinion that differs from yours.Plenty people on here who were vaccinated myself included, have had opinions on how this was being handled, what was the endgame, none of which were being laid out for by the government.
Crazy legislation being rushed through, overreach by the government which any reasonable person would at least raise an eyebrow too & your argument to anyone who uttered the same or something similar was to mock, name call & to label them.
Maybe you’re just scared, easier for you to just go along with everything thrown at us. Checks and balances fella!
@Hear me now: OK so, enlighten me oh wise one – what is this endgame to which you are referring?
Should be interesting….
@Lee King Buckett: man are you slow, seriously…there you go again looking for conspiracy.
Ok here goes, try & stay with me now, you can do it…end game meaning what the government’s plan was going forward for Covid or was it to continually vaccinate people & enfirce restrictions/lockdowns.
@Hear me now: So are you saying the endgame was to continually vaccinate and lockdown people because if that was the case then why are we here now?
Or are you saying there was no endgame?
You’re not being very clear I’m afraid.
@Lee King Buckett: figured u wouldn’t get it…ah well, I tried, no helping some people I guess. Hang in there kid!
What if there’s a new variant entering Ireland? Will we be ready to find that out without PCR test available to people under 55?
@Alex: So pcr test is no longer needed when entering the country? I couldn’t find anything regarding this
We do have to live with this virus now as most will be absolutely fine if infected but I do think saying no masks in public transport is massively premature and also just a big why ? Many on buses trains have no choice and many are going for medical appointments or treatments so why make them more at risk . Very unnecessary and pushing people back in to cars when fuel so expensive. Those making the changes can probably never have to use public transport . Masks in poorly ventilated transport do help . Everything else you can manage but not if in a mobile box
@Lee King Buckett: W.E.F, Davos Jan 21st to Jan 29th. 2021 It was discussed. I suggest you check some reputable Web sites. Like their own! Reading is a pleasure this lady enjoys.
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