Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to increase access by the public to face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) suggests that face coverings may help reduce the risk of transmission if someone is suffering from COVID-19, but not showing symptoms. Social distancing and hand hygiene remain the most important ways to guard against the virus, face coverings may help prevent individuals who have coronavirus but are not presenting symptoms from spreading it to others.

We are asking people to make their own face coverings at home, using scarves or other textile items. We have published guidance to show people how to do this which can be found online. We urge the public not to purchase medical or surgical masks as these must be reserved for health and social care workers who face the greatest risk.