Government worried people would be ‘cavalier’ if told to wear coronavirus masks, claims Michael Gove
Michael Gove appeared in front of the public administration and constitutional affairs committee (Parliament.TV)
2 min read
People have not been told to start wearing masks in public to prevent the spread of coronavirus for fear they would become “cavalier”, according to Michael Gove.
The Cabinet Office minister admitted face coverings “can have an effect in preventing an individual from spreading the disease”.
But the Government’s judgment was not that it was worth offering guidance the public does so, as they believe it could stop people from sticking to social distancing rules.
It comes after Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recommended the wearing of masks in places where avoiding others was difficult, like shops and public transport.
Asked if this advice was to become UK-wide policy, Mr Gove said this remains “under review”, after the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) met to discuss the idea last week.
He told the Commons' public administration and constitutional affairs committee: "The scientific evidence so far says face coverings can have an effect in preventing an individual from spreading the disease to others if they have it and are asymptomatic.
"But there is also a worry that some people may think that wearing a mask protects themselves, as distinct to protecting others, and therefore they may behave in a manner that is slightly more cavalier.”
After SAGE presented their evidence on masks to ministers, a decision is now expected to be made in the coming days.
On Tuesday Mr Gove revealed the Government will build a stockpile of face masks, prompting speculation they will recommends Brits start wearing them.
The senior minister added: "It is a finely based judgment. That judgment is being made collectively, with respect by the analysis of the science, by the Cabinet and I know it is a situation that is under review.”
On whether it was right for Ms Sturgeon to have already offered updated guidance, he said: "Different policy approaches can be floated or proposed by the devolved administrations, but I think it is better if we work as one.”
On Tuesday the health secretary Matt Hancock told the daily Downing Street press briefing the scientific case for wearing masks was “weak”.
He said: “On face masks, we are guided by the science and the Government position hasn’t changed."
This was echoed by the Government scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean, who said: "The recommendation from SAGE is completely clear, which is there is weak evidence of a small effect in which a face mask can prevent a source of infection going from somebody who is infected to the people around them."
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