Mask wearing should remain in certain settings to protect workers and vulnerable
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy has urged the government to take a cautious approach on any proposal to end mask wearing.
The TD said that Covid 19 was still transmitting in schools and around the country. He said mask wearing should not be scrapped in settings such as schools, public transport and shops in order to protect workers, children and the vulnerable, and ensure they remain accessible for those in high-risk categories.
He said: “I would urge the government to consider frontline workers such as teachers, transport workers, retail staff, children and the vulnerable when making their decisions on mask wearing. The numbers of toddlers and school children hospitalised in the last month is very alarming, and we should do everything we can to protect more children from this potentially very traumatic experience, and from the threat of long Covid.
“We have never favored a law-and-order approach but believe people should continue to wear masks in certain settings- public transport, schools and shops. The ICTU and trade unions have come out against the scrapping of mask wearing in retail, schools and transport for another few months. The government needs to listen to the concerns of workers and act to keep them safe.
“It is important also for older and vulnerable people so that they can have the confidence to go out and participate fully in society. Many older and vulnerable people still are understandably nervous about the immediate removal of masks. We think that NPHET should advise caution and the government should listen to that advice.”