New public health campaign launched to encourage people to wear a face covering if possible, to reduce the spread of COVID-19

A new campaign, encouraging members of the public to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, was launched earlier this week by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Health Simon Harris TD, Minister for Transport Shane Ross and Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

In an effort to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, the Government recommends that face coverings be worn if possible in situations where social distancing is not possible. These include for example, in shops, and on busy public transport, or if you are meeting someone who is vulnerable to the virus, for example, people who are cocooning.

Wearing cloth face coverings may help prevent people who do not know they have the virus from spreading it to others.

Wearing of face coverings is recommended in the following circumstances:

• When staying 2 metres apart from people is difficult – for example, in shops, shopping centres or public transport
• By people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning
• By people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning

People wearing face coverings are still advised to 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)

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 or has a disability and who may feel upset or uncomfortable wearing the face covering

Wearing a facemask is not mandatory (except on public transport when they became mandatory on the 13th of July) therefore, if you have severe breathing difficulties don’t wear one. If your breathing difficulties are a new symptom or if they worsen please seek medical advice.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said, “Our message is simple; if you are in situations where social distancing is difficult, such as on public transport or in shops, please wear a face covering. It’s also a good idea to wear one when you are visiting someone who is vulnerable to the virus. In this way, we can help to reduce the spread of the virus, which is more important than ever as our country continues to reopen.”

Minister for Health Simon Harris TD said, “Wearing a face covering will help you to protect those around you. It is not a magic shield, but it is an additional measure aimed at stopping the spread of this virus.

“If you cannot keep a 2 metre distance, we recommend you use face coverings. We are strongly encouraging people on public transport to use them, in shops and supermarkets. And if you are visiting a loved one who is over 70 or someone who has a medical condition, we are asking you to wear a face covering and help shield and protect the most vulnerable.”

The campaign is a recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team.

Detailed information on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and HSE.ie

Read our FAQ on Facemasks, coronavirus and heart disease

We are here for you

The Irish Heart Foundation’s nurse support line is available five days a week. Anyone living with heart disease and stroke who has concerns or questions about the coronavirus can contact the nurse support line on 01 668 5001 or support@irishheart.ie.

The Irish Heart Foundation’s new heart support group is on Facebook. Anyone who lives with heart failure or another heart condition or has a family member living with a heart condition can join here: www.facebook.com/groups/heartsupportnetwork/

The Irish Heart Foundation runs 21 stroke support groups and 5 heart failure groups around the country. All these groups have moved to telephone and online support. For more information, see https://irishheart.ie/get-support/.

The Irish Heart Foundation in conjunction with the HSE National Stroke Programme, has launched a new telephone support service for stroke patients who have recently been discharged from hospital. For more information, see here.

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