Are we heading back to masks?
Tougher rules on table amid rise in Covid hospital cases
STRONGER guidance on wearing masks is being planned in case coronavirus hospitalisations keep rising.
Since July it has not been mandatory to wear them in crowded indoor public spaces.
The decision is left to individuals even though the Government says it expects people to cover up.
Ministers are now concerned by falling compliance in supermarkets, trains and buses amid rising infection levels. Yesterday there were another 37,622 Covid cases and 147 deaths.
There are also 8,098 patients in hospital with the virus – a six-month high and a rise of 6 per cent in a week.
Although government sources insist a mask mandate is not imminent, the fact it is being considered will concern Tory backbenchers. They are already angry at being asked to renew the emergency Covid powers that allow ministers to impose restrictions.
A source said: ‘We are looking to strengthen guidance on masks if it gets to the point where things are getting increasingly difficult in the NHS.
‘We expect and recommend that members of the public continue to wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet – for example, on public transport.’
Next week the Prime Minister will publish a winter Covid plan, expected to include plans for coronavirus vaccine booster shots and the biggest flu jab rollout in history to ease pressure on the NHS. But at the same time he will urge MPs to extend the 2020 Coronavirus Act which gives ministers the powers to bring back restrictions if cases rise to unsustainable levels.
Steve Baker, of the Covid Recovery Group of anti-lockdown Tory MPs, said he would vote against any extension.
He added: ‘The Covid powers are extraordinary and are now unnecessary thanks to the success of the vaccine programme.’
Dozens of other Tories are expected to join him in voting against however there is no chance of Mr Johnson losing.
Yesterday Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warned that vaccine passports – at present only due to be introduced for nightclubs and large venues – could be extended elsewhere if necessary. This raises the possibility of them being required for entry to pubs and restaurants.
He told Sky News: ‘If we need them to protect public health we will. But we are always reluctant to impose further burdens on businesses unless we really have to.’