Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said he wants mask wearing to remain in place even if lockdown is completely lifted on July 19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce his plans for easing lockdown in the next few days - with the requirement for social distancing and masks set to be dropped.
But, speaking in response to an audience member on the BBC's Question Time on Thursday, Mr Burnham said he does not believe the dropping of all social distancing measures on that date is the right approach.
Mr Burnham said: "I am worried about reports that distancing is going to be dropped, and masks are going to be dropped.
"You've got to keep one or the other, you can't get rid of distancing and the requirement to wear masks.
"You've got to think of people who feel worried about being out there.
"I think about the tram in Manchester, I know if that [social distancing] goes some people will feel very vulnerable to use the tram, I think it's better to keep the masks requirement."
Mr Burham urged caution and said he does not think that we will be "back to normal" in July.
He said: "I don't think we are back to normal.
"I think it is a case of living with this thing.
"For me, masks are a physical barrier to the spread of the virus, and a reminder to people that we are still not living in normal times and we need to keep a bit of a distance from each other."
See the latest political news in your area by receiving email updates
