Public health officials are considering whether to recommend face masks be mandatory in secondary schools.
The current advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team is that face coverings are not required in school settings.
Masks are already mandatory on public transport, with the measure being extended to shops and shopping centres from Monday.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says NPHET are awaiting a report from the European Centre for Disease Control on the issue.
Meanwhile DCU Professor Anthony Staines says we won't be able to reopen schools safely if Covid figures continue to average 45 a day.
The former Director General of the HSE, who is accusing the Department of Education of dithering on the issue is calling on secondary schools to make wearing masks in the classroom mandatory.
Face coverings will be compulsory in shops and shopping centres from next Monday.
Tony O'Brien believes it makes sense to ask students to wear masks when they return to school.
