Welsh Government to examine whether face coverings should be worn to protect against coronavirus following new Scottish guidance

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said he wants to see more detail on Scotland’s move to advise people to cover their faces when out in public before making a similar decision for Wales.

The Scottish Government today published guidance recommending people should shield their faces when entering enclosed spaces, such as public transport and food shops.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon clarified the instructions referred to homemade face coverings, such as scarves or other cloth-made items, and not the type of masks used in healthcare settings.

The information acknowledges that evidence on their use is limited, but adds there may be “some benefit” to it.

During a press conference today, Mr Gething said he wouldn’t be drawn on whether Wales would follow suit.

He said: “I need to see the exact detail of what Scotland has said. The challenge is whether you need a face mask or a form of face-covering and whether it does any harm by doing that.

“If we do get formal guidance that people should wear a covering over their face, we need to understand what that means about the way the public will then behave in adopting them.

“We also need to be particularly cognisant of the potential of people trying to acquire masks that would otherwise be used by health and care professionals,

“I want to see the detail about Scotland, and also want to talk with my own Chief Medical Officer here in Wales before getting drawn into making a definitive comment about the position in Wales.”

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— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) April 28, 2020