All you need to know about wearing face masks

Wearing a cloth face covering in public may reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the community.

It may help to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets from people infected with the virus.

Cloth face coverings may help to stop people who are not aware they have the virus from spreading it.

If you have Covid-19 or have symptoms of the virus, you must self-isolate.

Do this even if you wear a face covering.

When to wear one

Face coverings must be worn in the following locations:

shops

supermarkets

shopping centres

libraries

cinemas and cinema complexes

theatres

concert halls

bingo halls

museums

cosmetic nail care or nail styling

hair care or hair styling

tattoo and piercing services

travel agents and tour operators

laundries and dry cleaners

licensed bookmakers

Wearing of face coverings is also recommended in the following circumstances:

By people visiting the homes of those who are over 70 years of age or who are medically vulnerable.

By people who are being visited in their homes by those who are over 70 years of age or who are medically vulnerable.

The vast majority of people are already wearing face coverings in shops.

Shop owners and managers of premises should engage with people entering or in their premises to inform them that they need to wear face coverings and should promote compliance.

To date the gardaí have adopted an approach of engaging with the public to educate and encourage people to abide by the measures in place and to only use enforcement as a last resort.

The penalty on conviction for not wearing a face covering is up to €2,500 and/or six months in prison, but the expectation is that the vast majority of customers will comply and that penalties would only arise in very rare cases.

What they are made from

Cloth face coverings are made from materials such as cotton, silk or linen.

You can buy them or make them at home using items such as scarfs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.

Who should not wear one

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

has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the face covering

Do not criticise or judge people who are not able to wear a face covering.

How to wear one

A cloth face covering should cover the nose and go under the chin and:

fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

be secured with ties or ear loops

include at least 2 layers of fabric

allow for breathing without restriction

How to wash one

Wash daily in a hot wash over 60 degrees with detergent.

If using a washing machine, you should be able to wash and machine dry it without damage or changing the shape.

You do not need to sterilise cloth face coverings. Wash it in a washing machine or by hand as you would any other item of clothing.

Wash your hands before and after use.

-Details published by Government Information Services.