Foyle MP calls for clear guidance on use of face masks in public places

The Foyle MP urged Ministers to advise people to wear face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces, where social distancing is difficult.

Mr. Eastwood said: “It’s important that people are provided with the best advice to help them contribute to the effort to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 and help save lives. The Scottish Government has now issued clear advice that members of the public should wear face masks in enclosed spaces where social distancing is unavoidably difficult to achieve - like in small shops. Our Executive should consider offering the same advice to people in NI, the vast majority of whom are abiding by lockdown restrictions and want to help beat this outbreak.”

Mr Eastwood said that while there was no silver bullet, this would help prevent transmissions in close quarters.

“We have all experienced the worry in enclosed spaces when people are unintentionally closer together than they’d like to be. Masks or coverings will help,” he said.