New HSE guidance on mask wearing comes has into effect from today, Apil 19th.

The response to COVID-19 in Ireland and internationally continues to be updated as we move through different phases of the pandemic. Our national public health advice has changed, so that, at this time, widespread testing for COVID-19 has ended. We will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination to a large number of people.

Where there isn’t a high level of COVID-19 in the community, it is also appropriate to move away from universal use of masks for health and care workers, and for patients and visitors in a health and care setting.

 

Health and care workers

• Universal use of face masks in hospitals and other health and care settings will end from April 19.

• Health and care workers should wear a surgical mask or respirator mask in settings where patients have suspected or confirmed COVID-19/respiratory illness, or infection prevention and control team advise of a high risk that patients with unsuspected COVID-19/respiratory illness are likely to be present

• Local risk assessments will help in deciding when to stop using face masks in each setting.  Health and care workers in low risk settings should use standard precautions, and assess if wearing a surgical mask or other PPE is required.
• Care staff living and working with residents in health and social care settings should use standard precautions when caring for those who are not suspected of having COVID-19/respiratory illness, and decide if a face mask should be worn.

• In settings where face masks are not deemed necessary, staff will not be required to wear them, but may choose to do so. Surgical and respirator masks should continue to be available to healthcare workers in all settings. 
  
  For healthcare workers in non-clinical settings where services users are not present; a face mask is not required, although staff may choose to use one

 

Public, visitors and people attending health and care facilities

• Face masks are generally not required in most health and care services, for people who do not have respiratory symptoms. 

• You are welcome to wear a mask if you wish. Face masks will be available at health and care facilities.

• On occasion, you may be asked to wear a mask by a member of staff, this is to protect yourself and others.

• Please wear a mask if you have been asked to and follow the advice of our staff.

• Health and care workers will wear a face mask when it is needed.

 

People who are clinically vulnerable

• You are welcome to wear a face mask in any health and care setting. Face masks will be available at health and care facilities.

• On occasion, you may be asked to wear a mask by a member of staff, this is to protect yourself and others.

• Health and care workers will wear a face mask when it is needed.