People wear face masks on Blackpool promenade (Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
One of the biggest changes to our lives in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is the use of face masks across a range of settings, in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
Currently, face coverings are compulsory on public transport across the country, as well as in shops and certain other indoor settings.
Supermarket giants Morrisons and Sainsbury’s will now not let maskless customers into stores unless they are exempt.
However, a question mark remains over whether face coverings are really needed out in the open air.
Should you be wearing your face mask in outdoor settings as well?
Should you wear a face mask outdoors?
Ministers are said to be debating whether to enforce stricter measures during the third lockdown with masks potentially being required outdoors.
Borough Market in London has now become the first outdoor setting in the UK to legally enforce mask wearing – those who don’t will be fined £50.
However, there are differences of opinion over whether it’s necessary to wear a face covering in an outdoor setting, given the virus does not spread as easily outdoors as it does indoors.
Dr Daniel Atkinson, clinical lead at Treated.com, told Metro.co.uk: ‘Most viruses do tend to be more fragile in outdoor settings, and not transmit as easily as they would indoors.
Source:: Metro
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