People experiencing flu or cold symptoms should wear masks in public places as the UK faces a 'tidal wave' of illness, an NHS leader has said. Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said the country was dealing with a 'very nasty strain of flu' that had arrived earlier than usual.
Speaking to Times Radio, Elkeles urged a return to Covid-era habits: 'If you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport, to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.' He added that wearing a mask in the office would be 'very sensible'.
Downing Street said mask-wearing was 'something people can consider' to limit the spread of winter bugs, but stressed it was not an instruction. A No 10 spokesperson highlighted that the best defence is the flu vaccine, with nearly 17 million jabs already delivered this winter.
The UK Health Security Agency noted in a blog that 'masks continue to be a useful tool in limiting the spread of respiratory viruses in some situations'. However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch rejected the idea, saying she was 'still slightly traumatised' by mask-wearing during Covid and opposed any mandate.
Hospital data shows an average of 1,717 flu patients per day in England, including 69 in critical care, a record for this time of year.
