Bring a mask.

That’s the message from the Government this morning, as face coverings become mandatory in all shops and shopping centres across Ireland from today, Monday, August 10th.

The move, based on ‘firm’ advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), was announced as part of the decision to stall Phase Four of the plan for reopening Irish businesses.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said he believes members of the public will comply with the new rule, which is already in place on all public transport, and that it is unnecessary to involve Gardaí in its enforcement.

“They will be the last port of call,” Minister Donnelly told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.

“Inevitably people will forget, but we have got to build it into our habits.”

Announcing the move last week, An Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “As we have seen with face coverings on public transport and the many other requests that have been made for citizens over the course of the pandemic, when people are given a clear direction they follow it.”