Masks won't be required in offices: British minister
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A woman walks across London Bridge away from the City of London, on May 13, 2020.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON • British Health Minister Matt Hancock said the government would not be recommending that people wear face masks in offices, after speculation that rules for workplaces could follow shops.
"We will not be recommending masks in the office," Mr Hancock told Sky News yesterday.
From July 24, shoppers in England will have to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets, to help reduce the risk of a new pick-up in the spread of the coronavirus, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.
Mr Hancock told the BBC that the government had looked at making masks compulsory in offices, but rejected the idea on the basis that if people spend a long time together, face coverings do not offer protection.
"It's interaction with people whom you aren't normally with, and that's where the mask can be particularly helpful," he said.
Face coverings are already compulsory on public transport in England.
The Telegraph newspaper had reported earlier yesterday that the government could soon recommend face coverings in all public places including offices and other workplaces.
Asked by the BBC about the report, Mr Hancock said: "No... It's something that we've looked at and rejected."
REUTERS
