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Coronavirus

04th Jul 2021

Scientists still think you should wear a face mask after July 19th

Restrictions are set to be lifted on July 19th, which includes face masks. However, scientific advisers are suggesting we keep them on

Kieran Galpin

Masks should continue to be present, say scientists

Whether you call it Terminus Day, Freedom Day, or ‘Please Let Me Out The F***ing House’ Day, July 19th is set to be our release from lockdown as we know it.

Boris Johnson is said to be releasing us from all restrictions, including mandatory face-masks, social distancing, and number caps at events.

But Professor Adam Finn, from the Government’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), advises that masks should still feature as a regular facet in our lives.

“Well on a personal level I shall certainly be continuing to wear a mask if I’ve got any symptoms or if I’m in an enclosed space with lots of other people for a prolonged period of time, indefinitely in fact,” he told Sky News.

“I think we learned, as paediatricians, we learned that we can avoid massive problems with children getting sick in the winter by doing these kind of measures.

“We simply didn’t see the epidemics of respiratory viruses last winter that we’ve seen every year throughout my career.”

Government officials, scientists, and health organisations are all suggesting that masks should be used whenever possible. Not only will this aid in fighting Covid, but it could also make for a healthier nation altogether. Dr Ellie Cannon told BBC breakfast:

“I’ve heard a lot of people say to me, who travel on the bus or the London Underground particularly in the winter, that they would absolutely put on a face mask, particularly in the winter because we all get used to having these coughs and colds and flu and if you can do something very simple to prevent that, why wouldn’t you?”

Masks may be worth wearing long after July 19th due to their ability to ward off any respiratory illness or infectious disease, not just Covid-19.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Environment Secretary George Eustice have insisted they will remove their masks the moment restrictions are lifted.

Time will tell if the nation follows suit.