Over 90% of public plan to continue wearing masks in hospital settings after ‘Freedom Day’

A new survey conducted by healthcare management app, myGP, has revealed strong support for the continued requirement of face masks in hospitals and GP surgeries after ‘Freedom Day’. Public Health England’s (PHE) existing infection control guidance, which will continue beyond 19 July, is set to have overwhelming backing from NHS patients across the country. In fact, a majority had already planned to treat 19th July as more of a ‘Freedom of Choice Day’, with 90.8% stating they would independently continue to wear a mask at their next appointment.

One participant stated ‘I won’t go to an appointment if face masks are not required. It’s too dangerous.’ while another added ‘It costs nothing and it’s probably the easiest restriction to comply with.’ The importance of continued face mask use was still evident amongst those who had been fully vaccinated, with only 3.9% feeling safe to enter a hospital setting without a mask. A participant who had received both vaccines commented ‘I will continue to use a face covering despite having been fully vaccinated, I don’t like them but see the potential benefit to myself and others while the virus spread is high.’

Of those who had not planned to wear a mask beyond 19th July, 95.6% would do so if asked by a health provider. Of over 1,700 people polled, only 2.6% did not think face masks would be necessary after 19 July. This finding was in line with myGP’s data on face mask perception in hospitals, with 52.3% feeling they were still necessary to protect both themselves and others. A further 41.2% stated they would feel at higher risk of waiting room infections if others were not wearing masks.

This reluctance to part with face mask protection is mirrored amongst health providers. A recent survey conducted by the British Medical Association revealed 91% of doctors want the compulsory use of face masks in healthcare settings to continue.[1] Dr Yasmin Razak, GP Partner at Goldborne Medical commented ‘It has been proven throughout this pandemic that masks help to stop the spread of viruses. As we move out of Summer and into flu season, and with the lifting of restrictions on Monday, it is vital to continue to protect ourselves against ill health. Last year we saw a dramatic decline in flu cases due to lack of social movement and the continued wearing of masks and I urge patients that if they are feeling unwell or attending their GP or hospital to continue to wear a mask to not only protect themselves, but us as NHS medical professionals as well. I implore the public to continue to follow medical advice and use common sense on the matter.’

The importance of face masks for those meeting with health providers is only set to increase as the annual flu vaccinations begin in September. Responsible for 7,000 deaths across the UK in a typical year, experts warn that the 2021 flu season will see significantly higher infection rates due to reduced population immunity following a year of lockdowns and social distancing. The risk of mortality to patients who have flu and Covid-19 simultaneously is more than double that of those who are solely infected with Covid-19. The flu vaccination programme will be extended this year, with vaccinations offered to an additional four million children. According to recent reports, those who are over 50 and schedule a flu vaccine this Autumn will also be offer a Covid booster during their appointment.