Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy noticeBoris Johnson “followed the economy” as he tore up rules on face masks after learning the coverings could cost the economy £4billion, it's emerged. Scientific analysis from reviews of social distancing and mass gatherings, leaked to i News, revealed public dislike for wearing face coverings at sporting, music and arts events. It suggested keeping masks could cost the hospitality and events industries more than £4billion in lost profits. A Whitehall source told i the research was compelling and the driving force behind the decision to scrap mandatory face masks when all restrictions are lifted in England. Yet figures revealed earlier this year showed Covid-19 lockdowns cost the economy hundreds of billions - the highest figure since records began.

Source: Daily Mirror July 07, 2021 11:03 UTC