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COVID: Mandatory Mask Wearing To Be Scrapped

The mandatory wearing of face coverings in England will end next week.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Boris Johnson has announced that Plan B COVID measures will be allowed to expire next week (Thursday 27).

It means that mandatory COVID passes will no longer be needed and people will not be asked to work from home where possible.

The PM has also announced that face masks will not be mandatory anywhere.

Children will no longer need to wear masks in schools from tomorrow (Wednesday).

From Thursday next week, mandatory certification will end, though businesses can decide to use this measure voluntarily.

Mr Johnson said:

"Once regulations lapse, the Government will no longer mandate the wearing of face masks anywhere.

"We will trust the judgement of the British people."

He added that from tomorrow, face masks will no longer be required in classrooms and the Department for Education will shortly reduce advice for their use in communal areas.

Mr Johnson added the Government will continue to suggest the use of face masks in crowded areas, particularly when you come into contact with people you don't usually meet.

Since the Government "made the big call" to refocus the NHS on the booster campaign, more than 36 million jabs have been administered, Boris Johnson said.

More than 90% of all over-60s have had a third jab.

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