As of yesterday, the 10th of August, it is now mandatory to wear face coverings in certain premises in Ireland, in an attempt to fight the coronavirus battle.
Given the uncertain territory that we are now facing, it is easy to become confused about when and where it is appropriate to wear a face covering.
While it was previously made mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport, it was not yet mandatory to wear them in many other social settings. But this has now changed, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has signed into Irish law the mandatory wearing of face coverings in certain situations that were not yet included on the mandatory list before.
According to the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings In Certain Premises And Business) Regulations 2020, the following list is where a mask must now be worn.
- Shopping centres
- Supermarkets
- Libraries
- Cinemas and cinema complexes
- Theatres
- Concert halls
- Bingo halls
- Museums
- Cosmetic nail care or nail styling
- Hair care or hair styling
- Tattoo and piercing services
- Licensed bookmakers
- Travel agents and tour operators
- Laundries and dry cleaners
There are other indoor settings on the list that aren’t included in the mandatory face-covering list, including restaurants and banks. The list can be found below.
- Post Office
- Credit Union
- Bank
- A premises “in which the principal activity is the sale of food or beverages for consumption on the premises.”
- A premises “in which the principal activity is the provision of medical or dental services or other healthcare services.”
- Optician and Optometrist outlets
- Outlets providing hearing test services or selling hearing aids
The regulations will remain in place until at least October the 5th 2020, with there a maximum fine of €2,500 for those who don’t comply.