Three-layer face coverings “recommended but not mandatory” in certain situations in Wales

The Welsh Government is following updated advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and recommending people in Wales wear three-layer face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible.

Welsh Government say the evidence remains clear that maintaining a two-metre distance and good hand hygiene is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from contracting coronavirus, but the updated guidance from the WHO says three layer face coverings could help provide some control of the virus in specific circumstances.

Welsh Government say this updated advice only applies to people who are not showing symptoms of coronavirus. People who are symptomatic must self-isolate for seven days and get a test, as set out in existing guidance. Unless the test shows a negative result, they must not go out during this time, even with a face covering or mask.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Washing your hands, avoiding touching your face and maintaining a tw-metre distance from others remain the best way of stopping the spread of the virus.

“On Friday, the WHO updated their guidance on face coverings, advising that they should be considered in settings where maintaining social distancing is difficult. However, to be crystal clear, wearing a face covering does not replace the need for social distancing or washing your hands regularly.

“Further scientific evidence is needed on the benefits to the wider public of wearing face coverings, but observational findings so far suggest that homemade or purchased three-layer face-coverings might reduce transmission from one person to another if made, worn, handled and disposed of properly.

“Therefore, on balance, we are recommending to the people of Wales that three-layer face-coverings should be used in situations where social distancing measures can be more difficult to achieve, for example, on public transport. We are not recommending their use outdoors.

“The wearing of face coverings will not be mandatory, but we will encourage people to do this for the benefit of themselves and others.”

The Minister stressed that this advice only applies to people who are not showing symptoms of coronavirus, adding: “Anyone who has a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste must self-isolate for a minimum of seven days and get a test as quickly as possible. Unless the test shows a negative result, people must not go out during this time, even with a face covering or mask.”

On Friday we asked the First Minister why the move was not brought in previously, noting that use of public face masks to help combat SARS or MERS, and now Covid-19 is not new and that the range of questions and scenarios given were not new either. We asked if it was best to bring in such measures sooner and roll back if required.

Responding to the announcement by the Welsh Government today that the public will be recommended to wear three-layer face coverings in areas where social distancing is not possible, BMA Cymru Wales council chair Dr David Bailey said: “We are pleased to hear that Welsh Government is recommending that three-layer face coverings should be worn in all areas where social distancing is not possible – including on public transport – to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Wearing masks will afford greater protection to the public, and importantly, it will protect the lives of the staff working on public transport who, as evidence suggests, are at greater risk of infection.

“We absolutely agree that wearing face coverings cannot be an excuse for ignoring social distancing rules and urge the public to continue to follow the rules and practice good hand hygiene.”