Press release
COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
With effect from Monday 28 February:
The government met on Tuesday 22 February and considered the most recent advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The government noted that the current epidemiological profile of COVID-19 in Ireland continues to provide a broadly stable and positive outlook. Following a recent moderate increase – particularly amongst young adults – the number of infections detected per day remains high but has stabilised, and may be starting to decrease. While the burden on our hospitals remains significant, it is relatively stable.
Omicron is still with us so there are critical components which still require our collective response:
The government agreed that the following public health advice will continue to be important:
The government has agreed that the following measures will be removed with effect from Monday 28 February:
and
The government also accepted the updated public health advice in relation to isolation and testing requirements for COVID-19 symptoms, cases and close contacts. This reflects a transition from extensive case finding and tracing of infection to reduce transmission, towards a response focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19.
Therefore, with effect from Monday 28 February, the following advice applies in relation to COVID-19 symptoms, cases and close contacts during this transition phase.
| Age | Mask you should wear | Isolation |
| 13 years and older | Medical grade or FFP2 for 10 days | 7 days |
| 0-12 years | Well-fitted mask (9–12yrs) for 10 days | 7 days |
| Who | Testing requirement |
| If you are aged aged 55 years and older AND unboosted | Self isolate and get a PCR test. Follow public health advice on test result |
| If you have a high-risk medical condition | Self isolate and get a PCR test. Follow public health advice on test result |
| If you are immunocompromised | Self isolate and get a PCR test. Follow public health advice on test result |
| If you live in the same household as a person who is immunocompromised | Self isolate and get a PCR test. Follow public health advice on test result |
| If you provide care or support for person they know to be immunocompromised | Self isolate and get a PCR test. Follow public health advice on test result |
| If you are pregnant | Self isolate and get a PCR test. Follow public health advice on test result |
| All others | No test required but self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms resolve |
| Who | Testing requirement |
| If you are a healthcare worker identified as a household close contact | Repeat antigen testing is required, unless you have recovered from COVID-19 in previous 3 months |
| All other close contacts | No test required if not symptomatic, self-isolate if symptoms develop |