NHS trusts in England say they were not
consulted or given any notice of the
government's decision over the
compulsory wearing of surgical masks by
all hospital staff from June the 15th
however ministers insist there was
notice of the changes another 204 people
have died after testing positive for
kovat 19 in the UK in the last 24 hour
period that takes the overall total to
40,000 465 a health correspondent Lauren
Moss has more details the merits of
masks to protect against coronavirus
have been the subject of scientific
debate since the start of the outbreak
PPD masks now it's been confirmed that
from the 15th of June anyone visiting a
hospital in England will have to wear a
face covering and all staff will need to
wear surgical masks but a group
representing NHS trusts says the
announcement took them by surprise we
would have liked to have seen a long a
period of time to discuss this with the
government and for them to consult
frontline leaders about what to Lee the
right way to go on this and for for us
to work it out together with the
government from the 15th of June face
coverings will also be compulsory for
passengers on public transport in
England what does the latest science say
the virus is spread through droplets
it's thought covering the mouth and nose
will reduce transmission when it's
difficult to social distance the World
Health Organization updated its guidance
last night whu-oh advises that
governments should encourage the general
public to wear masks where there is
widespread transmission and physical
distancing is difficult such as on
public transport in shops or in other
confined or crowded environments the
shortage of personal protective
equipment for frontline staff during the
peak was well documented although
welcoming the latest guidance health
professionals want to make sure there's
no risk of running low again I don't
need to be very categorical that they
have all the gear that they need that I
have a very solid forward supply that
they can see that
there aren't likely to be any hitches in
the next two four six eight weeks the
Department of Health says more guidance
is coming and there are adequate stocks
masks will not beat the virus good
hygiene and social distancing are still
vital as we ease out of lockdown
Laura Moss BBC News