Masks on from today amid new threat of winter spike in cases

MEMBERS OF the public will need to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaways, sandwich shops and supermarkets from today as the Government ramps up efforts to halt the spread of coronavirus.

The new regulations, which also cover railway stations and airports, make it compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to take away from cafes and shops.

And face coverings must be worn in banks, building societies and post offices under the rules, which are enforceable by the police.

Venues such as restaurants, pubs and gyms will be exempt.

But the move came as Ministers were warned that historic issues in the NHS, such as a lack of beds and nurses, could make recovery from the pandemic in the UK difficult and put the health service at risk in any potential winter spike.

A study from the Nuffield Trust think-tank found the NHS was in worse condition than other health services before the pandemic, such as Germany, which had far more beds and nurses.

Experts found that, while London had more Covid-19 cases

Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaking yesterday. than any other part of the UK, it accounted for fewer than 17 per cent of total cases in the country.

Outbreaks in other countries have tended to be concentrated in certain areas or hot spots, with the broad distribution of cases in the UK potentially making it harder to contain further transmission.

This could contribute to a slower NHS recovery, combined with the fact that the UK already had fewer doctors, nurses and hospital beds per person, lower levels of spending on buildings and equipment and higher levels of hospital bed occupancy going into the pandemic.

The Government is looking for ways to protect the NHS should it have to deal with a second wave of coronavirus this winter, and announced doubling the winter flu vaccination programme in England to 30m people, with free jabs for those aged 50 and over and children aged 11.

Experts are concerned about the impact of a double whammy of Covid-19 cases and seasonal flu potentially overwhelming the NHS.

There are also worries that people could suffer both flu and Covid-19 in tandem. Combined with the move to compulsory face masks, it is hoped the virus can be controlled while a vaccine is in development.

Wearing a face covering will not be made mandatory in eat-in restaurants and pubs, hairdressers and other treatment salons, gyms and leisure centres, cinemas, concert halls and theatres.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Everyone must play their part in fighting this virus by following this new guidance.”

Children under 11 and people with breathing problems are not required to wear a covering and anyone who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability is also exempt.

The public are advised to wash their hands before putting a covering or mask on or taking it off and to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth while wearing one.

Face coverings should be stored in a plastic bag until they can be washed or disposed of, the Department of Health said.

Everyone must play their part by following the new guidelines.