Wear masks sooner say doctors
DOCTORS demanded face masks are made mandatory on public transport as soon as possible to limit the spread of Covid-19.
From June 15 commuters could be refused travel or even fined if they do not cover their faces on trains or buses.
But the British Medical Association has warned the plans do not go far enough.
Council chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said face coverings should be mandatory before June 15, stating that the risk would be “much less” if the public starts wearing coverings immediately.
The BMA also said face coverings should be used in all public places where social distancing is not possible in a bid to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 cases.
Dr Nagpaul said: “Not only will this afford greater protection to the public, importantly it will protect the lives of the staff working on public transport who, as evidence suggests, are at greater risk of infection.” Last night the World Health Organisation director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said governments should encourage people to wear masks in shops, on public transport and areas where social distancing is not possible.
But he added: “Masks alone will not protect you from Covid-19, they are not a replacement for hand hygiene and social distancing.”
Face coverings include scarves, a piece of cloth or a mask and certain travellers – such as people with disabilities or breathing difficulties – will be exempt.