Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance he plans to issue to staff of his Department on the use of face masks to protect against covid-19 infection after 19 July 2021.

The Department does not currently require face coverings to be worn by staff in Departmental buildings, although those who wish to wear them will be supported to do so safely. A risk assessment has been carried out following the framework provided by the Health and Safety Executive to ensure staff can work safely in a COVID-19 secure environment.