The recommendation announced by the Government that face masks should now be worn in crowded work places, places of worship, and also in busy crowded outdoor spaces is a new departure.
It follows a recent evidence summary undertaken by HIQA about the effectiveness of face masks for reducing the risk of spreading Covid-19, as well as observations about successful practices in other countries.
The National Public Health Emergency Team had given the matter significant consideration during their eight hour meeting on Wednesday this week and the measure was specifically recommended by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan on foot of that meeting.