Information regarding the wearing of Face Coverings.

In line with Government guidance, wearing a cloth face covering is recommended in situations where it is difficult to practise social distancing on busy public transport. Wearing of cloth face coverings may help prevent people who do not know they have the virus from spreading it to others. It may help to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets from people infected with COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms of the virus, you must self-isolate. Do this even if you wear a face covering.

If you wear a face covering, you should still do the important things necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.

These include:

  • washing your hands properly and often
  • covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
  • not touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
  • social distancing (keeping at least 2 metres away from other people)

Who should not wear one

Cloth face coverings are not suitable for children under the age of 13 and anyone who:

  • has trouble breathing
  • is unconscious or incapacitated
  • is unable to remove it without help
  • has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the face covering

Do not criticise or judge people who are not able to wear a face covering.

How to use a cloth face covering properly

  • clean your hands properly before you put it on
  • practise using it so you are comfortable putting it on and taking it off
  • make sure it is made from a fabric you are comfortable wearing
  • cover your mouth and nose with it and make sure there are no gaps between your cloth face covering
  • tie it securely
  • carry unused masks in a sealable clean waterproof bag (for example, a ziplock bag)
  • carry a second similar type bag to put used masks in

Do not:

  • touch a mask or face covering while wearing it – if you do, clean your hands properly
  • use a damp or wet medical mask or reuse a medical mask
  • share masks
  • do not lower your mask to speak, eat and smoke or vape – if you need to uncover your nose or mouth take the mask off and put it in the bag for used masks
  • do not discard masks in public places

More details can be found on the Gov.ie website.