DEVON County Council is advising that although people won’t have to wear face coverings from Monday, July 19, they will be encouraged to continue to do so. 

The Prime Minister’s announcement puts the onus on people to decide for themselves if, and where and when they choose to wear a face covering. 

But while the legal requirement for us to wear face coverings looks set to be removed, the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and many health and public health professionals have indicated that the continued use of face coverings by people in certain situations should be encouraged. 

Professor Whitty cited three circumstances in which he will choose to continue wearing face coverings.

Among them, any situation which is indoors and crowded, or indoors within close proximity to other people. 

"And that is because masks help protect other people," he said.  "This is a thing we do to protect other people." 

If required by an authority to do so, and as a simple matter of common courtesy to others, were Professor Whitty’s other circumstances in which he will continue wearing face coverings. 

Others have opposed the stopping of face coverings in enclosed spaces. 

At the weekend, the British Medical Association was reported as calling on the government to continue the need for face masks and new ventilation standards. And unions representing public transport and shop workers have also expressed concern with regard to the safety of their staff. 

It comes back to the fact that coronavirus is an airborne virus, spreading through droplets or aerosol in the air. Face coverings help protect others from Covid-19, and if everyone wears one, the risk drops for all.