The Government will consider a proposal to end almost all remaining health restrictions next week. The leaders of the three government parties yesterday backed the recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team's to end mandatory mask wearing.
The final decision will be taken by the Cabinet this morning. If, as expected agreement is reached at the Cabinet, the changes would take effect from 28 February.
It would mean that mask wearing in schools, retail settings and on public transport would be voluntary from next Monday, but they would still be required in health care settings.
And there would still likely be advice that people should continue to wear masks on public transport, but it would not be underpinned by law.