The government-issued ruling means that all passengers are required by law to wear face coverings while on public transport from today.
Face coverings will be mandatory for all passengers using public transport from today going forward with penalties including a hefty fine and possible jail time. According to the government-issued ruling, drivers are within their rights to ask passengers to wear a face covering and can refuse people entry and alert the Gardaí should they fail to cooperate.
If the person doesn’t comply with Gardaí they can face arrest and prosecution – which would incur fines of up to €2,5000 and/or six months jail time.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that the new regulations would be signed into law last Friday evening, addressing the public and saying:
“Outside of the public transport system, we encourage people to wear masks in crowded indoor gatherings and again where social distancing is not possible. But it will be compulsory on public transport as and from Monday.”
Children under the age of 13, as well as those with breathing problems or anyone who cannot remove a face covering without help, are exempt from wearing face coverings on public transport in accordance with HSE guidelines on the matter.
Header image via Shutterstock/Dublin Bus driver wearing face covering
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