Three doctors share whether you should still wear a mask after July 19th

Is it a see-you-never-masks situation or a definitely-keep-wearing-them vibe?

Face coverings exemptions, at current, are for medical reasons like chronic asthma or other respiratory issues.

But yesterday, the Prime Minister confirmed that come 'freedom day' on July 19th, wearing a face mask will be optional - whether you have a medical exemption or not.

Social distancing will also be optional, with Boris Johnson sharing that the need to do so will 'depend on the circumstances.'

He said: “I think that what we’re trying to do is move from universal Government diktat to relying on people’s personal responsibility and clearly there’s a big difference between travelling on a crowded tube train and sitting late at night in a virtually empty carriage on the main railway line."

But, what do the medical professionals have to say on the matter? We asked them about the link between the Covid vaccine and fertility, the blood clot risks associated with AstraZeneca, the main long Covid symptoms, and vaccine side effects to know about, too.

Next up: we've asked them to break down whether they think it's safe - and sensible - to ditch your face mask come the 19th.

So, should we continue wearing masks? 

No - not always

It really depends, according to doctor Dani Gordon of Resilience Medicine clinics.

"If you are in a poorly ventilated indoor space - or even crowded semi-outdoor space such as a very crowded events venue under a tent but very densely packed conditions - it would still be worth considering to both protect yourself and others," she shares.

Ultimately, we know masks decreasing viral transmission, which is only a good thing with the recent more infectious variants that have become dominant, she explains.

Doctor Nisa Aslam, advisor to Typharm agrees, adding that she would advise continuing to wear a mask in certain circumstances. "Firstly, in crowded indoor spaces including public transport – buses, trains, trams, planes – and secondly, where an organisation or authority asks you to do so and where it makes someone else feel comfortable, because they may feel cautious or vulnerable.”

Yes - all the time

However, Doctor Gill Jenkins and advisor to The Fruit Juice Science Centre disagrees, emphasising that there is 'no real reason' not to wear a mask come the 19th. She also adds that many may feel nervous about change after a year with masks as the norm.

She explains: “Many people continue to feel understandably cautious about the flexibility in the restrictions. If you - or others you're with - feel nervous, wear a mask."

Bottom line from Jenkins: the increased flexibility after July 19 'does not mean you should stop wearing a mask.' Do shop our fashion ed's pick of the best reusable face masks, while you're here, and scroll the most-common face mask myths, too.

Why is continuing to wear a mask important? 

Why exactly is it important we continue to exercise caution and wear one - and is this the general consensus across the industry?

Jenkins shares that, like it or not, cases of Covid are increasing at the moment which means that collectively you should continue to act responsibly. "Masks, if worn properly, are effective at helping someone else not to catch the disease, and they have some effect in preventing the wearer from catching it," she continues.

Take the US study of over 370,000 people published in The Lancet, which found that mask wearing significantly improved COVID-19 transmission. Doctor Aslam emphasises: "The studies show that wearing masks reduces risk of infection. While the vaccine is effective - even against the variants - we have seen to date it’s important to minimise transmission, as transmission of the virus can increase the risk of mutation and new variants.”

Are there any situations where wearing a mask isn't as important?

It's not so important outside due to air flow, share the experts, however they do stress that you need to take care in crowded environments.

Will you yourself continue to wear a mask?

All three doctors will, as they believe we need to continue to protect each other and exercise caution.

"Covid-19 is still with us and will likely be for some time to come," doctor Jenkins shares.

Do you think cases will rise when people stop wearing masks mid July?

According to doctor Jenkins, it's a difficult one to call. “With the combination of more people vaccinated and relaxation in restrictions, it is hoped that cases would not rise as much as if we had no vaccination. But it is difficult to tell what the outcome will be. We cannot be certain.”