Ministers consider making masks in office compulsory
THE mandatory wearing of masks in offices “will be taken into consideration” by ministers, the Housing Secretary said.
Raising the prospect of further rules on face coverings, Robert Jenrick argued that their use in the workplace “does have some benefit”.
It comes as Transport for London (TFL) and British Transport Police officers mounted a rush-hour crackdown on public transport compliance yesterday.
Face masks were made compulsory for bar staff, shop workers and waiters in England last month in an effort to stem rising cases of coronavirus.
Raising the possibility of a further roll out to include offices, Mr Jenrick said: “Some workplaces are asking their employees to do so voluntarily.
“It does have some benefit. So I’m sure it will be taken into consideration by the Health Secretary and Chief Medical Officer, but we don’t have a plan today to take action in that respect.”
It comes as a bus passenger caught twice for failing to wear a mask on public transport became the first to be issued with a £400 fine yesterday. The man saw his penalty double from £200 to £400 under new “laddering” rules that target repeat offenders. Fines of up to £6,400 can be imposed.
TFL and British Transport Police also conducted a joint enforcement operation at King’s Cross St Pancras Under
ground station yesterday.
Mr Jenrick’s suggestion that masks may be mandated in offices marks a shift in tone from July, when the Health Secretary insisted the measure would not be considered.
Meanwhile, in Scotland ministers discussed extending the mandatory wearing of face masks to include offices.