‘I don’t know most of those people and so I think that would be sensible’
Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing the end of face masks is fast approaching, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has revealed he will still continue to wear one when he goes shopping.
The health secretary, who took over from Matt Hancock last year, was accused of sending “mixed” messages to the public as we approach the end of mandatory mask-wearing.
Charlie Stayt: Will you be wearing a mask in the esupermarket, next Saturday?
Sajid Javid: Yes
CS; People will hear you say the rules are relaxed, & in the same breath say you're going to be still wearing a mask.. this is about saving the skin of the PM#BBCBreakfast pic.twitter.com/S9HCHRhgCx
— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) January 20, 2022
Javid was quizzed on BBC Breakfast regarding the rule change and said he would wear a mask “Because prevalence is still high and there will be people there.”
He added: “Especially if I am going to my local shop, which is small and enclosed and can have quite a few people in there at one time in quite a small space.
“I don’t know most of those people and so I think that would be sensible.”
No experts attended Sajid Javid's conference.
This is because this move is purely political and not based on science or medical advice.
— Jon Jones (@JonJonesSnr) January 19, 2022
While many would accuse the health secretary of sending mixed messages, Johnson himself spoke on the individual’s need to assess situations and decide whether they should wear a mask.
Javid also said it would be “sensible” to wear a mask on the tube as it’s “quite an enclosed space.”
He added: “People will be asked to make their own personal judgment just as we do in fighting flu.”
Rubbish, without doubt rules changed for political reasons not Health reasons.
This is criminal, ask this simple question. Are we better protected wearing a mask? Yes https://t.co/hBd5CeBkFL— Vincent Cantrill #FBPE (@VincentCantrill) January 20, 2022
Explaining that it’s the public’s responsibility to “make that decision”, Javid seemed hopeful that the British people would continue to respond positively.
Johnson also revealed that the “work from home” advice is to be scrapped, meaning offices across the country will be bustling with people again. However, since the start of the pandemic, more fluid work options are becoming prevalent.
Related links:
- Morrisons becomes first UK supermarket to cut sick pay for unvaccinated staff
- Fourth Pfizer jab ineffective in blocking Omicron, according to Israeli study
- Covid restrictions in England could end in March under No 10 plans
