BMA calls for masks for non-NHS workers

Doctors’ union the British Medical Association (BMA) has said that workers should be provided with face masks, and the public should now be covering their faces.

According to BMA chair, Dr Chanda Nagpaul, the key workers who should have masks or similar coverings include “transport workers, shopkeepers, carers or supermarket staff. Common sense tells you that a barrier between people must offer a level of protection, however small,” he said.

He added: “This includes asking the public to wear face coverings to cover mouths and noses when people leave home for essential reasons.”

So far Public Health England has abided by the World Health Organizations’s (WHO’s) advice against mask wearing by the public, but this appears increasingly unsustainable, and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) is re-examining the issue. A break with previous guidance appears likely.

• The BMA has launched a nightline for its members beginning nightshifts and worried about personal protective equipment. It operates from 8pm to 8am and can be reached at 0300 123 1233.

https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/bma-announces-ppe-hotline