'Masks may have to be worn until winter', warns Donnelly as 345 Covid cases confirmed

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said face masks may be required until early winter to protect against Covid-19. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said face masks may have to be worn until autumn or early winter in high-risk environments or if there is a local Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Donnelly's comments come as Nphet reported a further 345 Covid-19 cases. It has also reported there are currently 127 Covid patients in hospital, of which 44 are in ICU.