GPs calling for facemasks to be mandatory
Family doctor’s in the North East are calling for the Government to pull back on some of the restrictions it plans to ease later this month.
The British Medical Association (BMA) in the North East has written to MPs and local politicians in the region ahead of restrictions being lifted on July 19.
They are calling on them to support the retention of the current requirements to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces, such as public transport, shops, health centres and schools.
The call comes as the region has recorded some of the highest rates of Covid in the country.
Dr George Rae, chair of the BMA North East regional council, is warning that the situation risks ‘spiralling out of control’ if the Government does not exercise greater responsibility.
He said: “With the North East now experiencing the highest rates of Covid in the country and cases doubling in the last week, it is incredibly alarming that the Government seem set on such a large scale relaxation of restrictions.
“We risk undoing any progress we have made.
“On behalf of the medical profession in the North East, we are calling for our local MPs to urge the Government to take a bit more responsibility including keeping the requirement for facemasks to be mandatory.”
He added: “The impact of Covid on the people in the North East has been immense. This is not about restricting freedoms, rather is about exercising a cautious approach so we can move safely and gradually out of restrictions.
"Failure to do so will risk the situation here spiralling out of control again.”