Dublin: With the flu spreading across the country, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has expressed concern that people are avoiding safety measures including masks in public places. People are also avoiding masks on public transport. The minister said that this lack of security is very alarming as winter approaches.
The Minister reminded the public it is not good to avoid masks in health care centers, crowded indoor areas, and public transport. However, the minister said the government has no plans to make masks compulsory. We are still in the stage of COVID-19, so we all have to be careful to do everything right. A campaign will be organized to sensitize people in this regard and not compromise safety in the absence of general guidelines. The minister added that boards indicating the need to wear masks will also be installed in buses, trains, etc.
Minister Donnelly said the HSE’s winter plan was in anticipation of flu, RSV, and other respiratory diseases.