Vote in the Daily Express poll now.
With the increase of the H3N2 “K strain” influenza, hospitals have admitted more patients, some schools have shut and NHS trusts have urged people to get their flu jab. Downing Street found itself compelled to issue a statement on mask-wearing in public following reports from the NHS of a significant wave of infections.
People wearing face masks in Reading today offered a chilling throwback to five years ago when Covid-19 changed the world.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, urged people to wear masks in offices to help curb the spread of infections.
He said: “I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.
“And we were all very good about infection control during Covid. And we really, really need to get back to that now.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated in a blog post last week that “masks continue to be a useful tool in limiting the spread of respiratory viruses in some situations”.
The agency noted: “Wearing a well-fitting mask when unwell can reduce the number of particles containing viruses that are released from the mouth and nose of someone who is infected with a respiratory infection.”
