NHS Chief: Mask Up or Spread the Flu!

An NHS leader has called for a return to mask-wearing in public spaces for individuals experiencing flu or cold symptoms, warning of a 'tidal wave' of illness driven by a 'very nasty strain of flu.' Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, stated that people who are coughing or sneezing but not too unwell for work should wear face coverings on public transport and in other public areas to prevent transmission.

This plea coincides with a significant rise in flu hospitalizations across England, with daily patient numbers reaching record levels for this time of year, including those in critical care. Downing Street has responded by stating that mask-wearing is a personal choice and an existing measure people can consider, while highlighting the government's ramped-up flu vaccination efforts.

However, Minister Kemi Badenoch has voiced opposition to mask mandates, citing personal discomfort with widespread mask use during the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns about its impact on social interaction. She advocates for individual judgment and emphasizes that severe illness should necessitate staying home rather than being in public.