The universal mandatory wearing of masks in hospitals and other healthcare areas by patients, visitors and staff comes to an end today, following recent advice from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
The mandatory use of personal protective equipment in healthcare settings was introduced during the pandemic as part of measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.
However, it will be a matter for each hospital to decide on how this should apply in practice.
As a result some patients, staff and visitors will be required to continue wearing masks.
The HPSC has also advised that masks should still be worn for interaction with patients with respiratory symptoms.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has said that the mask mandate should remain as Covid-19 remains an issue and many hospitals have significant overcrowding.
The General Secretary of the INMO has strongly criticised the decision.
Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “It’s absolutely the wrong move right now.”
She said many people were continuing to get Covid-19 and other transmissible conditions in hospitals because of the overcrowding.
In February 2022, mask wearing on public transport and in shops became optional.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said there are still a few frontline workers staff who have not received their €1,000 pandemic bonus.
He described the figure as “very small”.
Minister Donnelly told the Oireachtas Health Committee that €208 million has been distributed so far.
The HSE has paid out €88 million, Section 38’s received €52million euro, Section 39’s 67 million.
He said: “If there are people who have not been paid they are local anomalies.”
The delay was due in part, he said, the HSE taking a very cautious approach to paying out the money, but that the approach has now changed to “self assessment first and validate later”.
Committee Chair Sinn Féin’s Sean Crowe said: “It is unforgiveable at this stage when we are talking about winding down servioces in relation to the pandemic.”
Minister Donnelly described the bonus as “very favourable” when compared to other countries.
News courtesy: RTE