The mandatory wearing of masks in nursing homes, rehabilitation centres and drug rehab facilities have been reinstated effective from yesterday, the Social Welfare Bureau (SWB) has announced.
The SWB has stated that these measures are designed to minimise the risk of infection during the festive activities of Winter Solstice, Christmas and New Year.
[See more: Health officials are telling the public to treat Covid as ‘just another infection’]
Under the new regulations, all visitors and workers within these facilities are required to wear surgical masks or those of a higher standard.
The only exceptions to this rule are during meal times or other necessary situations. Additionally, entry restrictions have been imposed on anyone displaying systemic or respiratory symptoms or testing positive in a rapid antigen test for Covid-19.
The end date for this mandatory wearing of masks has not yet been announced.