Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings on Public Transport) (England) Regulations 2020 Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Sheikh
Main Page: Lord Sheikh (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Sheikh's debates with the Department for Transport
(4 years, 4 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I support and approve of the regulations requiring all passengers on public transport to wear a face covering, subject to certain exemptions. I note that failure to do so when asked is an offence subject to a fine of £100 and not being allowed to travel. How strictly are these regulations enforced?
When I go out, I always wear a mask. I fully support the guidance issued by the BMA calling for face coverings to be worn by the public as a matter of course. It is felt that if a person is not wearing a face covering and has the infection or is a carrier, the risk of passing it to another person is 70%. If the first person is wearing a face covering, the risk is just 5%. If both persons are wearing face coverings, the risk is reduced to 1.5%. Why is the BMA guidance not being followed by the Government?