Passengers are being asked to wear face masks again by transport firms, it has been reported. The news comes as NHS trusts and hospitals reintroduce the measure as Covid cases increase.
In England, infection rates are continuing to rise and have reached their highest level for three months. It is being driven by the subvariant Omicron BA.5, now the dominant form of Covid-19 in the country, reports YorkshireLive.
At present, face coverings are not required by law in England. However, Brittany Ferries has been asking passengers to wear masks since the first week of this month, The Times reports. Also C2C, the rail operator, is encouraging passengers to wear masks, The Times says, while Transport for London reportedly issued an email this week that said bosses "strongly recommend" wearing a face mask. TfL later called this "a mistake", however.
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According to the latest figures, 3.8 million people in private households in the UK were estimated to have had Covid-19 in the week to July 13/14, up 7% from 3.5 million in the previous seven days, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
At the end of last month University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said: "The decision has been taken to reintroduce mask wearing for staff, patients and visitors across all areas of our hospitals, unless exempt."
On July 7, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust said: "The number of patients and colleagues with Covid has risen recently and this rise is expected to continue. As a result, we are reintroducing the requirement to wear masks in all clinical areas of our hospitals, including corridors and public areas."
Brittany Ferries' website says: "Mask-wearing has been reinstated on board our ships. From Monday, 4 July, to ensure the continued safety of our passengers and our crew, we are requesting all passengers, unless exempt - older than six years old - to wear a mask while on board in public areas (other than when seated to eat or drink)."
Transport for London told The Times: "If people want to wear masks, they should. But there is no strong recommendation to do so."
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