The mask mandate has come to an end.

The wearing of masks in most settings - including retail settings, schools and on public transport - is no longer mandatory from today. Public health measures in schools have also come to an end - like pods, social distancing and staggered arrival times Close contact rules have also changed. Now, if a person has no symptoms, they will no longer need to get a test or isolate - whether they are vaccinated or not. Mask requirements will still remain in healthcare settings. The changes come almost two years to the day that the first case of Covid-19 was found in Ireland. There is no change to the current measures in place regarding international travel and  a Digital Covid Certificate is still required. However, the Government has stressed that the virus is not gone and still poses a threat to people. Face coverings are still advised under public health guidance in certain settings. Students and their parents are being urged to stay home if they test positive for Covid-19. People should still isolate if they're symptomatic, even if they're fully vaccinated and boosted. As well as this, people should remember to continue basic hand and respiratory hygiene. The lifting of most restrictions also means that free PCR tests will no longer be available for most people. Feature Image via Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie