Boris Johnson is taking a backlash over his plans to drop the rules on wearing face masks.
Doctors, regional mayors, unions and health charities are among those who have expressed their fears over the relaxed measures.
Boris Johnson wants to ease restrictions on face masks as of July 19. Photo file
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer has also warned that lifting all restrictions at once would be “reckless” – and calls for face coverings to remain mandatory on public transport.
He said: “It is unwise to remove all protection at the same time as the infection rate continues to rise.
“We need a balanced approach, we need to keep key protections in place, including masks, including ventilation and most importantly… appropriate payments for those who need to self-isolate.”
Dr Chaand Nagpaul of the British Medical Association said it was “of growing concern” that Mr Johnson “decides to go full steam ahead” in easing the measures – despite warnings about increasing cases of hospitalization and death.
He urged ministers to ensure that masks are compulsory “until the rampant spread of the infection is brought under control and more of the population is fully immunized.”
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The government hopes to move forward with the final step in the roadmap to end the lockdown measures on July 19, and a concrete decision on whether to proceed will be made next Monday.
If this continues, the British will be encouraged to use their personal judgment on the risks of infection – and they will be informed that wearing a mask can reduce the risk to themselves and others in environments such as overcrowded spaces.
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-07-05 21:53:00
