Mask-wearing may be recommended for all under latest review

Government will examine case for following same practice as countries such as China and South Korea

THE public may be asked to wear face masks, in new advice next week, under measures designed to help the country out of lockdown.

Ministers will consider a review by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) examining whether routine wearing of masks should be recommended, for those who are out and about.

Growing numbers of medics are calling for the advice to change, in line with countries such as China and South Korea.

Earlier this week Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, called for it to be made compulsory for people to wear masks in public while the Covid-19 epidemic continues.

Last night Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s chief scientific adviser, said: “There is a review that Sage is carrying out. We are looking at it now; the evidence is quite variable around masks – it’s not easy to really get a firm position on some of it.”

He said the committee would look at the matter on Tuesday and hope to issue advice on any changes.

Currently, the UK advice is in line with World Health Organisation guidance, which does not recommend routine use of face masks.

But a number of scientists believe that the fact the virus can spread without visible symptoms means masks may be more useful than would be the case in other illnesses.

Sir Patrick said: “The difference between this disease and others is the pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic spread, which adds complexity.”

“But one thing is clear … it’s absolutely crucial that the masks are available in hospitals and other settings which are at high risk of transmission and that’s where the evidence is very strong that they do work.” A Cabinet source said, although the Government was being “led by the science”, public pressure would also influence the decision.

“Public and media pressure pushed the lockdown, and when it comes to face masks, again that will come down to public and media pressure even though there is evidence suggesting they don’t make much difference in the general public,” they said.

Consideration will be given to whether masks might be advised for use on public transport, and in workplaces.

Ian Jones, professor of virology at Reading University, said: “It’s obvious that even a flimsy mask provides a level of protection if not absolute protection.

“The argument is moving away from protecting people from catching it to stopping people from transmitting it so a national roll out would be advisable. They should be part of the unlocking procedures because this virus isn’t going to disappear”.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, has previously warned that routine use of masks by the public could increase shortages for NHS staff on the front line.

Last night medics said the public should be encouraged to create homemade masks.

Trisha Greenhalgh, professor of primary care research at Oxford University, said: “We are going to have to wear masks for quite a long time, but it should be a non-surgical approach – we should be encouraging people to make their own and masks for each other.”

She also cautioned that “it might become advisable” for children to wear masks if the Government’s aim was to protect 80 per cent of the population.

“Someone’s going to have to invent a mask that a child can wear comfortably. It may have to become part of the school uniform.”

Prof Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, has, so far, said public use of face masks is a “very live issue”.

Earlier this week he said: “What we are really trying to do is to work out under what circumstances, if any, should we extend the advice.

“The evidence is weak, but the evidence of a very small effect is there under certain circumstances.”

‘The argument is now moving away from protecting people from catching the virus to stopping people from transmitting it’