MPs take a stand against return of masks telling public to IGNORE Covid rules
MPs have warned against the reintroduction of face masks in public places, warning that such a move would be "met with massive opposition"
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MPs have warned against the reintroduction of face masks in public places, warning that such a move would be "met with massive opposition".
Philip Davies told GB News that he would "suggest the public completely ignore" any guidance to wear facemasks if the Government were to introduce it.
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The comments come after face masks were reintroduced in some NHS hospitals and GP surgeries, after a "significant" surge in Covid cases.
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said that anyone entering clinical areas across its different sites would need to wear the face coverings, in addition to other "precautionary measures".
Wearing a face covering or face mask can reduce the number of particles containing viruses that are released from the mouth and nose of someone who is infected with Covid-19, helping to prevent the spread of the virus.
But speaking to GB News about the prospect of further measures being introduced to the general public, Davies said: "Absolutely I would be opposed.
"There is absolutely no peer-reviewed evidence of any substance to suggest that face masks make any difference at all to the transmission of Covid, and if the government allow such evidence-free restrictions on our freedoms again I suggest the public completely ignore them."
Conservative MP for Mansfield Ben Bradley agreed, saying such a move would be "met with massive opposition".
He told GB News: "As it stands these are matters for individual trusts and that's up to them.
"Obviously front line NHS staff are in a different position to the general public.
"But there's no suggestion whatsoever that anyone in Government is reintroducing face masks, and it would be met with massive opposition from myself and from Conservative colleagues if anyone were to suggest it."
The trust said in a statement: “Along with our staff, visitors, outpatients and anyone accompanying them are asked to wear masks in all clinical areas and anywhere they will be in close contact with others for longer periods of time.
“Please ask staff if you do not have a mask and they will provide you with one.
“We are also asking that anyone coming into our hospitals or community hubs please sanitise their hands, keep their distance from others and avoid visiting if unwell with viral symptoms such as cough, cold or fever.”
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Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said that anyone entering clinical areas across its different sites would need to wear the face coverings
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Royal Hallamshire Hospital, the Northern General Hospital, Weston Park Cancer Hospital and the Jessop Wing Maternity Hospital, are among the trusts’ sites that will introduce the new measures.
Pointing to the rise in coronavirus cases, the trust added: "The number of cases of Covid-19 has risen significantly over the last few weeks both locally and nationally."