A covid expert has backed the continued use of face masks in indoor areas as the UK Government prepares to make wearing coverings voluntary in England.
Professor Devi Sridhar, who advises the Scottish Government, said masks make “sense” for people going to shops or using public transport.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is today expected to announce the remaining coronavirus restrictions will be lifted from July 19th.
This is likely to mean the legal requirement to wear a face mask in some settings south of the border will be scrapped in favour of a voluntary set up.
However, concern has been expressed about the implications of moving to a system of personal choice on infection levels.
Sridhar tweeted: “If it avoids rising cases, people getting ill, another lockdown and helps businesses stay open -> doesn’t it make sense to keep face masks for indoor settings like shops & public transport, until we understand more about vaccine effectiveness in stopping transmission?”
In a statement at the weekend, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government said masks would be needed in some situations:
“As the First Minister has set out, we will have to manage living with Covid 19 for some time to come, even when we are able to move beyond Level 0.
"There will still be some ongoing need for face coverings, for example on public transport and in retail.”
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