We don’t need face masks if we keep up social distancing - Yorkshire Post Letters

YOU report that the Government will make the wearing of face coverings compulsory on public transport (The Yorkshire Post, June 5 and 6).

Far Eastern countries have seen a resurgence of Covid-19, even though people there wear masks. And, as you report, the positive effects are at best very small.

Not only are they scarcely effective, but here in Bramley, and probably elsewhere in West Yorkshire, buses pass either totally empty or at most carrying one or two passengers. There is ample room to allow social distancing on buses so coverings are not needed.

Wearing face coverings is also likely to hinder economic growth. People who once used public transport to shop in city centres may be deterred from shopping, even when more shops reopen, if they have to wear coverings on buses and trains.

And those who used to visit resorts, such as Whitby, are unlikely to travel up to four hours wearing a covering even when resorts offer more services again.

The compulsory wearing of face coverings has been ill thought through, is unnecessary and is ineffective in reducing the rate of infection.

The simplest and most effective way of reducing infection rates remains abiding by the two metre rule of social distancing.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor