Six national groups representing medically vulnerable people say the ending of mandatory mask wearing by the Government should be delayed.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, the Asthma Society of Ireland, the Irish Kidney Association, the Irish Cancer Society and COPD Ireland want the Government to delay its decision on mandatory masks.
The leaders of the three Government parties yesterday backed NPHET's recommendations to end mandatory mask wearing and a final decision will be taken by the Cabinet this morning.
If, as expected agreement is reached at Cabinet, the changes would take effect from 28 February. Dr Angie Browne, a consultant cardiologist and the Medical Director of the Irish Heart Foundation, said: "We really feel this is premature and would call on the Government to delay this lifting of mandatory mask wearing for a couple of months when the flu season is finished with, and the levels of Covid have hopefully reduced." Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, she added: "I think it is important that we do move to normality but I think this is very hasty and I don’t think there is any reason to do this so quickly." A consultant respiratory physician at St Vincent's Private Hospital and Chairman of COPD Ireland said: "From the point of view of our patients we would prefer that this would be delayed.