The UK government has stressed that it is “not compulsory” to wear a mask while ill, though it has been “longstanding advice” from health authorities.
It comes after Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), issued advice on Jan. 2 saying adults should “wear a face covering” if they have to leave the house while feeling unwell.
The UKHSA handed out the advice this week in a bid to counter high levels of flu, COVID-19, and invasive Strep A disease.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper also said it would be “sensible” to do so if travelling.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper arrives for a government COBRA emergency committee meeting at the Cabinet Office in London, on Dec. 14, 2022. (Victoria Jones/PA Media)
Asked for the government’s opinion on the UKHSA’s guidance, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman said on Jan. 3: “Obviously that’s advice they put out. I think that is pretty longstanding advice….