The government says it hasn't ruled out making face masks mandatory, but enforcing it would be difficult.
A new information campaign has been launched today encouraging people to cover their faces in situations where social distancing is difficult.
From today radio ads are being rolled out advising people how, where and when to wear face masks.
These will be followed by TV and outdoor ads.
The government is encouraging people to wear coverings where social distancing is difficult such as an public transport or in shops.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says they haven't ruled out making it mandatory:
"We have given consideration to making it mandatory, we don't rule that out, but there are real difficulties with that."
Health Minister Simon Harris says it will require behavioural change:
"It's going to require us getting in to the habit of getting our face covering, getting our bag, sticking the face covering in a bag, in your pocket, and bringing it with you."
The National Transport Authority says they won't be stopping people from using public transport if they don't have a mask:
Recent studies have indicated that face masks are highly effective in stopping the spread of Covid-19 from person to person.
