The SAGE EMG group made the suggestion in its meeting on masks and their usefulness in controlling the virus in January. The Janury 13 paper called for people to consider wearing masks outside in crowded areasIt also noted that a public awareness campaign would also be useful, telling people, the importance of and how to correctly wear. On wearing masks outdoors the committee said: "Consideration should be given to using face coverings in a wider range of settings where people could be asymptomatic and may be in close proximity (<2m). Current guidance does not say people need to wear masks in busy outdoor public spaces. But Prof Whitty said there could be an argument for wearing masks in some circumstances.

Source: Daily Mirror January 29, 2021 17:24 UTC