FACE COVERING measures on public transport and hospitals are only the first step says the British Medical Association (BMA). Doctors have long been campaigning for more masks – and more public information about wearing them – to help slow down the Coronavirus infection rate. Chair of the London BMA, Dr Gary Marlowe, explains their position.
As we move into a new phase where we must all learn to adapt to living with the virus, it is time to accept that simple, practical tools to limit the spread of the virus are of paramount importance.
The evidence shows that a face covering can reduce larger respiratory droplets emitted in coughing, sneezing, and talking, which we know is a key mode of transmission.
That is why the British Medical Association has been calling on the Government to implement face covering policies since April and we have welcomed recent developments that residents in London will be required to wear a face mask on public transport or when going into hospital in any capacity.
Foremost, it is vital that the Government extends this policy to cover GP surgeries and other health, community and social care settings across the region. By implementing a consistent rule, we can avoid any confusion amongst the general public and reduce the spread of the virus in high risk environments.
Only with clear public information will this be instrumental in controlling the virus. The Government must be clear with the public on the type of coverings that are necessary and how to access them.
With the UK death toll now tragically over 40,000, it is absolutely crucial that the Government gets this right as protecting the health of people in London is paramount.
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