COMMUTERS TRAVELING on public transport without face coverings in Ireland could face hefty fines or even prison.
From today, people are prohibited from boarding a bus or train without a mask.
Anyone who repeatedly fails to adhere to the rules or refuses to comply could be fined anywhere up to €2,500.
In more serious cases, prison sentences lasting as long as six months could also be handed down.
The new legislation gives drivers and inspectors the power to alert gardai in the event they encounter any individual failing to comply with a request to cover their face.
Micheal Martin passed the new rules into law as one of his first acts as Taoiseach.
The government is also encouraging people to wear face coverings in crowded indoor gatherings or any situation where standard social distancing is not possible.
The new rules have come into effect amid discussions over potentially handing gardai the power to close any pub found to be in breach of coronavirus restrictions.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee told the Irish Mail On Sunday [via Extra] she is looking at "a number of options" to better assist the An Garda Síochána.
"I am keeping the situation under close review and will consider additional powers for Gardai, if necessary," she said.
"I have asked my officials to consider whether there are any other powers that could assist Gardai with this important work, in order to keep people safe and stop the spread of this virus that has changed all our lives.
"My officials are looking at a number of options, in consultation with the Commissioner, to assist An Garda Síochána, if required."
