NHS boss points virus warning as Brits ‘demand’ return of key Covid restriction
As flu and the ‘mystery’ HMPV virus hits the UK, health officials have stepped up warnings to stop the spread – but now Brits are demanding the return of one restriction to help keep people safe
Brits are calling for the return of the face mask after health experts raised fears about the number of viruses doing the rounds.
Flu is already pushing hospitals to breaking point but now there’s the threat of the “mystery” HMPV virus which is said to have made its way to the UK from China. There, the outbreak has caused huge overcrowding in hospitals as Wuhan medical centres are said to be admitting up to 2,000 kids a day.
The illness presents with symptoms like the common cold. Although it can lead to upper respiratory infections and even, sometimes, lower respiratory issues such as pneumonia and asthma flare-ups.
It’s led to coronavirus-type guidance such as regular hand washing and staying home if symptomatic.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) even urged people to “consider wearing a face mask.”
It comes after Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England raised concerns on X (formerly Twitter) about the impact winter diseases have on the NHS.
She wrote: “It is difficult to put into words just how tough it is for our frontline staff at the moment. We are really worried about the toll that flu and other viruses are taking on our patients and on services across the NHS.
“Not only are staff managing high levels of A&E attendances and ambulance calls, they are also caring for really sick people who have been admitted and need specialist care.
“While I was visiting A&E this week, despite such acute pressures, the compassion and skill displayed by staff was incredible – I know that this is the case up and down the country.
“We have plans in place to manage extra demand – we use critical incidents to manage and monitor pressures, we have more beds than we did last year and we have new ways of working which ensure people can get cared for at home.
“But the public can play their part too – please do seek help when you need it. We would rather see you sooner when viruses are easier to treat, than later when it is more difficult.
“Please continue to use GP services, pharmacies and NHS 111 as normal and continue to only use 999 and A&E in life threatening emergencies.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also took to X to urge people to heed their advice if they are feeling unwell by staying home, washing hands regularly, opening a window when meeting others indoors.
They also urged people to “consider wearing a mask.”
The posts sparked a surge in calls from Brits to bring back face masks.
One person posted: “Then bring back masks across the NHS! Hardly any staff wore them whilst I was in A&E yesterday.”
Another added: “Bring back masks in hospitals to keep frontline NHS staff and patients safe from flu and other viruses like Covid.”
One wrote:” What happened to preventative medicine. People are dying because they can’t get flu jabs, even if they pay. Ridiculous situation. Bring back masks in the short term.”
Responding to the UKHSA post, one woman wrote: “Who checks these posts before they go out? It shouldn’t say ‘considering wearing a mask’. No point ‘considering’ it. Wearing a mask reduces transmission. It should simply say Wear a mask.”
While one added: “Wear a mask in all indoor public places, especially our dangerous medical settings. Avoid pubs and restaurants.”
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