Face coverings to be worn in retail settings from today

The Government has agreed that the current range of health measures should remain in place until August 10 at least.

It is being recommended that face coverings must be worn in all shops, retail settings and shopping centres from today as the country attempts to stem the latest rise in COVID-19 infections.

Regulations to enforce the compulsory wearing of face coverings on public transport came into effect recently.

The Government and HSE has given strong advice for people to start wearing facemasks immediately, however regulations to fully enforce the act could take some time to draft.

The current range of health measures should remain in place until August 10 at least.

Yesterday (Sunday) there were no new deaths to the virus reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today.

There has now been a total of 1,753 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland to date.

As of midnight on Saturday, July 18, the HPSC was notified of 10 more confirmed cases of COVID-19.

There is now a total of 25,760 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “All it would take for COVID-19 to regain a foothold in our communities is complacency. As the pandemic accelerates around the world, we must remain vigilant here in Ireland.”

He added: “Every day, in our individual actions, we have the power to limit the spread of this virus. Our priority going forward has to be the reopening of schools and resumption of non-COVID-19 healthcare services – and every time we stay 2 metres apart, wash our hands, practice good respiratory etiquette and wear a face covering, we are working towards those shared goals together.”