Where do you think mask wearing should be enforced? Tell us in our poll
As the restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid tighten once more, how do you feel about what the government has enforced?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The emergence of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in southern Africa in the last week is causing concern around the world, not least because it is thought to be highly transmissible and because the 32 mutations of its spike protein suggest it might be able to resist current vaccines.
A number of people have already been taken ill with the variant in Europe, including a handful in the UK, and Boris Johnson’s government has been relatively quick to act this time, imposing the first social restrictions on the public since “Freedom Day” on 19 July.
As preventative measures against Omicron establishing a foothold, Britons are again being ordered to wear face masks in shops and on public transport, more countries have been added to the travel “red list” and new arrivals from overseas will be required to take a PCR test and potentially self-isolate for 10 days.
Masks in particular have been a divisive issue throughout the pandemic, in the UK and overseas, with many framing the issue as a matter of individual liberty, not simply a healthcare precaution for the protection of others.
Londoners asked by The Independent about the return of the mask mandate have already expressed their frustration, with some accusing the prime minister of hypocrisy for declining to wear one himself at several recent public engagements.
But what do you think? When and where should we be wearing masks as the threat of Omicron looms?
Tell us and have your say by taking part in our poll below
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments