Dr. Cillian De Gascun:

On the wet markets, it is a really interesting question because that is the problem, to which I alluded in my opening statement. We still do not know where this virus came from. This highlights one very significant challenge in trying to eliminate anything. The only things we have been able to eliminate or eradicate are those agents for which we have a vaccine, and for which we are the natural host reservoir. That does not apply to SARS-CoV-2.

I am not aware of any planned representation from the Government to the EU but the Deputy highlights an important point. There were cases reported retrospectively from November with no link to the wet markets so there is still a lot of work to be done in that respect.

We touched on the issue of masks earlier and it comes down to context. The evidence base depends on the type of mask being used and the setting in which it is used. That is the problem with the cloth or home-made masks the Deputy alluded to. The strength of evidence for those is not fantastic but we still recommend them in a setting where physical distancing and good respiratory etiquette cannot be maintained. It is still advised. There is always a reluctance to make things mandatory as a first port of call but I accept the observation that the uptake in the last couple of weeks has not been as large as we would have expected.