Wear masks on transport says mayor
SADIQ KHAN WANTS COVERINGS WORN ON THE TUBE AND BUS
SADIQ Khan has written to supermarkets and shops to make sure Londoners have “access non-medical face masks” for when they use public transport.
The Mayor of London is asking stores to help Londoners access reusable non-medical face coverings to prevent the spread of coronavirus in enclosed spaces, such as Tube trains and buses, as lockdown restrictions are eased.
Following the Government guidance being updated to advise people to wear face coverings in enclosed places where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, Mr Khan said he wants everyone using London’s public transport to use them for the whole of their journey.
In the letter, sent on Wednesday, he added: “I would like to ask for your help with ensuring Londoners are able to access non-medical face coverings to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Although Londoners should stay at home as much as possible, I am asking those who must use public transport for essential travel to wear a non-medical face covering for the entirety of their journey.
“Furthermore, I hope that Londoners will choose to wear face coverings when out doing their shopping, helping to keep you, your staff and their fellow customers safe.”
Mr Khan said that while City Hall is encouraging people to use homemade face coverings, there will be people who will want to buy ready-made ones instead.
But he stressed that the coverings should not be medical grade personal protective equipment (PPE) to make sure supplies are not diverted from frontline NHS and care staff.
He added: “I am therefore urging you to stock supplies of reusable, non-medical face coverings in all of your London stores, at a price point that makes them accessible to all Londoners.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan continues to urge Londoners to only use public transport where absolutely necessary
“Coverings for the public sale should not be medical-grade PPE as we must not divert supplies of this vital protective equipment from health, care and other key workers in the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.”
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is also urging its members and the wider retail sector to stock up on re-usable face coverings to keep the public safe during the transition out of lockdown.
Working alongside Mr Khan, Bira is urging shops such as hardware stores to stock up to make sure there are enough to meet demand.