A new survey maps out the UK’s face mask wearing intentions with residents of Durham, London and Newcastle the most likely to wear a mask. On the flip side, those in Leicester, Dudley and Wrexham were the least likely.
With UK scientists now asserting that wearing face masks will help the fight against COVID-19, the country has not yet followed the example of some others, in which wearing them is mandatory.
Hence, the choice remains up to the individual and the survey, carried out by The N95 Mask Company, gives a picture of where in the UK there is widespread acceptance and intention to wear a mask – and where there is not.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Gero Baiardo, NHS GP and Clinical Advisor to the N95 Mask Company, said, “It’s concerning that so many people are actively choosing not to wear any face-covering at all to protect themselves and others, despite the latest government advice being that covering the face could play an important part in the fight against the further spread of Covid-19. I suspect the widespread use of masks by the public will be integral to the gradual easing of UK lockdown restrictions as they have been in other countries globally.
“It is without doubt that there are a number of physical and psychological barriers to wearing masks, but these must be put aside in the interest of our health. My advice to everyone is to wear a face mask whenever you might come into close proximity with other people outside of your own home – this could be in an open or closed space. If you find yourself having to consciously maintain a two-metre distance, you should be wearing a mask.
“When choosing a mask, it is important to ensure there is a tight seal with no gaps as this will maximise the protection it provides.”
Meanwhile, N95 Mask Company founder Ayrton Campbell, added, “Our ambition is to ensure everyone in the UK has access to a steady supply of effective face masks. We have offered our entire stock and supply infrastructure support to the NHS, and should they decide to accept at any point we will revert to supplying the NHS as a priority.”