Its expected the go ahead will be given to end the legal requirement for wearing facemasks in many settings

NPHET is due to recommend an ending of the practice in shops, schools and on public transport when it meets later today.

The Taoiseach hinted that a change could be on the way with the expectation the advice will be to lift the requirement, instead leaving it up to each person whether they want to wear a mask in public settings or not.

Paul Moynagh Professor of Immunology at Maynooth University says people will continue to wear masks when restrictions are eventually lifted:

“As we move forward and out of this pandemic, I think we will make our own individual evaluations in terms of risk and some will continue to wear masks. Some will continue for example, if visiting a vulnerable relative, will continue to do antigen testing. So, again, I think it will move more towards in terms of his personal evaluation or risk.”