'No need for masks' say top scientists, as flu outbreak surges

LEADING scientists say mask-wearing and school “firebreaks” to stop the spread of winter flu are “unnecessary”, although hospitalisations for the virus are surging.

- BY LUCY JOHNSTON Social Affairs Editor

Some 2,660 patients were admitted with flu every day last week, the highest figure for this time of year, and 2.35 million people went to accident and emergency departments last month — 30,000 more than in November last year.

Meanwhile thousands of resident doctors are preparing to strike from Wednesday until December 22, sparking fears of hospitals being overwhelmed with long waits.

An NHS boss last week urged people with cold or flu symptoms to wear masks in public, as was done during the pandemic.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers which represents NHS trusts, said: “When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you're not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you're in public spaces - including on public transport - to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.”