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Masks should be mandatory indoors and outdoors where two-meter social distancing is not possible, doctors have said.
Publishing a wish list of recommendations for ministers, the British Medical Association (BMA) accused the government of “letting down its guard” and said “inconsistent” messages since the national lockdown was lifted had played a role in the resurgence. of the virus.
Doctors union president Dr. Chaand Nagpaul said: “We have to swallow a very bitter pill of the infection that continues to spread at a dangerous rate.
“The stronger measures introduced now could be a much sweeter pill in the long run for many more people.”
The BMA recommendations include:
- Modify the current “Rule of Six” with the rule that only two households can meet, and that they should not exceed six people, ideally outdoors rather than indoors
- Make the use of face masks mandatory in all offices and work environments, unless you are working alone
- Have people wear masks in all outdoor settings where two meter social distancing is not possible
- Provide financial support to businesses, retail establishments and hotels to enable them to build facilities COVID-19 ensure and provide clear rules on what “safe COVID” means
- Provide medical grade masks, free of charge, to those over 60 or in a vulnerable group, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
- Provide masks free of charge to those who are exempt from medical prescription charges and also at the entrance of all public places if a person has not brought one.
- Adding more functionality to the NHS Test and Trace app to give people more detailed information on infection rates in their area, including actual numbers for infection rates and trends
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The recommendations come as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares to unveil a new three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions Monday.
Doctors union chairman Dr Nagpaul added: “Infection has increased following a rapid relaxation of measures and with the Westminster government lowering its guard; in August, the government encouraged people to travel, go to work and mix in restaurants and pubs.
“With COVID hospital admissions increasing rapidly in parts of England, there is an opportunity for the Westminster government to put in place stronger simple restrictions alongside the introduction of its … three-tier approach.”
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England is expected to split into three different levels of lockdown next week, with millions facing tougher restrictions as the government tries to control the increase. coronavirus cases and hospital admissions.
A total of 13,864 new coronavirus cases were reported in the UK on Friday, along with 87 other deaths.
The UK coronavirus replication number (R) dropped slightly to between 1.2 and 1.5, down from 1.3 to 1.6 last week, according to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE ) of the government.
However, SAGE said it was almost certain that the epidemic continues to grow exponentially across the country and that it is confident that transmission is not slowing down. C
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A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Welfare (DHSC) said the government’s actions have been guided by expert advice “at each stage” of the pandemic.
“We have been clear from the beginning that public compliance with self-isolation rules and social distancing measures is absolutely crucial to preventing the spread of the virus.
“We have introduced financial support to help people isolate themselves and simplify social distancing rules, through the rule of six and our ‘Hands. Face. Space’ campaign … our response ensured that the NHS not be overwhelmed even at the peak of the virus, so that everyone can always receive the best possible care.
He added that nearly 700,000 people “who might have otherwise unknowingly spread the coronavirus” have been contacted via NHS Test and Trace and told to isolate themselves.
