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Written question asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 May 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 May 2020. It was answered by Lord Bethell (Conservative) on Monday, 1 June 2020 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the best types of materials to be used when making a face mask at home to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

Answer

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies considered the very limited evidence available on the use of face coverings and advised that there was some positive benefit for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. However, the main ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are social distancing and washing hands regularly.

The Government is now advising wearing a face covering in situations where it is difficult to manage social distancing and there may be close contact with people the wearer would not usually meet. Guidance on how to wear and make a cloth face covering was published on 11 May in an online only format on GOV.UK.

This guidance refers to the use of cotton fabric, which is consistent with the limited available scientific literature on the use of face coverings.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4413
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Protective clothing Standards Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk