Mask wearing in hospitals should remain as covid 'hasn't gone away' 

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha. Picture: Andy Gibson.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have warned the mask mandate for hospitals should stay in place as covid "hasn't gone away", with 19 patients currently in ICU nationwide due to the virus.

The universal use of masks in hospitals is set to end on Wednesday, April 19 for patients, staff and visitors.