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While some public health experts have urged caution over removing mandatory mask-wearing in England, others are more relaxed about the prospect.
Prof Paul Hunter, an expert in health protection at the University of East Anglia, says he is fine with lifting the restriction – although he adds there are times when people may wish to take extra care.
“What I would say is that if you are in a vulnerable group and are going into a crowded indoor environment then it is sensible to still wear one, at least whilst infection rates are high.
“Also, if you are visiting a very vulnerable individual indoors when Covid is common in the community, then I would wear one for their protection, even though I have been fully vaccinated.”
Prof Robert Dingwall, a sociologist, says it is a “positive step” to make mask-wearing voluntary.
“The benefits of masks have always been uncertain because the quality of the evidence in both directions is so weak.
“Any benefit has probably been quite small, or it would have been obvious even from weak studies.”
He adds that any positive…
