A trade union has called for face coverings to be made "compulsory" on public transport to protect drivers and passengers from the lethal Covid-19 virus.
Health minister Robin Swann announced the executive had agreed to recommend "the public consider the use of face coverings for short periods in enclosed spaces, where social distancing is not possible", but had stopped short of making them mandatory.
"While evidence on the overall protection provided by face coverings is not conclusive, on balance it is sufficient to recommend that members of the public consider using them in particular circumstances.
"In practice, these circumstances will largely relate to public transport and retail environments."
He stressed "face coverings must not lead to any false sense of security about the level of protection provided" and urged people to keep "social distancing as much as humanly possible (and) wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day".
Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon said it was "important we... do all we can to encourage people to follow this advice", but confirmed "face coverings will not be compulsory and passengers will not be turned away if they decide not to follow the advice".
She said to ensure social distancing on public transport by limiting capacity to no more than 15 per cent on buses and 12 per cent on trains which has "implications, not only for the financial viability of our services but also the capacity of the network to accommodate growing demand for travel as we reopen our economy and society".
"I have been clear with Executive colleagues that we must ensure, including through our funding models, that Translink is properly resourced to deliver the service we need it to deliver."
She said frontline Translink staff will wear face masks or face shields, adding "it is only as a result of the efforts and selflessness of all Translink workers that our public transport services continue to run to allow our health and social care and other key workers to access their workplace and services".
"I am determined to do all I can to support and protect them and have asked Translink to ensure that all of the necessary procedures and Personal Protection Equipment continue to be in place to ensure the safety of staff."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill yesterday visited the Bloc Blinds factory in Magherafelt, Co Derry, where staff are manufacturing personal protective equipment for health workers.
Davy Thompson of the Unite union said "it is not enough for the minister to recommend the public wear face masks on buses and trains - we need to see them made compulsory".
"Our drivers' lives and those of fellow travellers are at stake - we need every possible protection."
He said social distancing is also vital and can only be achieved through additional funding of public transport services, demanding "the Minister for Finance... step up with adequate funding to enable Translink to provide the additional services needed to safely carry passengers".
The union also highlighted the need for "a common approach in both jurisdictions on this island".
"If there is a different approach taken north and south, drivers and inspectors on cross-border services could be placed in the invidious position of having to police different infection control regimes as the vehicle crosses the frontier.
"It is absolutely essential that we get a common approach in both jurisdictions on this island."
Ms Mallon said she will "continue to work with (transport) Minister Ross and the Irish government to ensure there is a joined up approach on our transport network".
