The Director of the National Virus Reference Lab has reiterated that face coverings should be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sarah McInerney, Dr Cillian De Gascun sought to clarify how face masks should be used during the coronavirus pandemic.
He said face coverings do not need to be worn in the open air, or if you are driving in your car. They should be worn when entering shops, or boarding public transport, he said. "Where people can't maintain physical distancing they should be wearing a face covering.
The problem with a scarf is that they may not wash the scarf regularly. "They'll take it home, they'll hang it on a hanger and wear it again.