A BRADFORD TV doctor says he feels 'uneasy' about the changes to guidelines including compulsory mask wearing which come into effect from today.

Legal measures requiring masks and Covid passes in England have been dropped, but shoppers and commuters in some settings will still be asked to wear face coverings.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the success of the vaccine programme, coupled with a better understanding of treatment for the virus, is "allowing us to cautiously return to plan A, restoring more freedoms to this country".

From Thursday, face coverings are not required by law in any setting, while a legal requirement for NHS Covid passes for entry to venues such as nightclubs has been scrapped.

 

Dr Amir Khan understands people want to return to a level of normality but has backed stores including Sainsbury's and John Lewis who will be encouraging shoppers to still wear masks.

Speaking on today's Good Morning Britain, Dr Amir said: "The cases are still very high. There were 102,000 Covid cases yesterday and 346 people died within 28 days of a positive test.

"I am feeling uneasy about it. I understand people want to go back to a level of normality, but I would strongly recommend wearing masks in public indoor places, in particular public transport.

"I am behind those places that continue to recommend that, because masks have been proven to reduce the transmission of this airborne virus.

"I would recommend that people get an FFP2 mask, which is the best mask that people can wear out an about."

Public health guidance urging people to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces if coming into contact strangers will remain in place, the Government said.

It said organisations will be able to choose if they will require Covid passes from those visiting their venues.

The latest rolling back of restrictions follows the dropping of the work from home guidance last week, and advice for face coverings in classrooms for both staff and pupils being scrapped.

From Thursday, the Department for Education has also removed national guidance on the use of face coverings in communal areas of educational settings.