‘The virus doesn’t vote’: WHO envoy hits out at mask-less MPs

The World Health Organisation’s special envoy on Covid has suggested that MPs should wear face coverings during tomorrow’s budget announcement in the Commons, as “The virus doesn’t vote.”

Dr David Nabarro, a qualified physician, told the Sky News Breakfast programme earlier today: “This virus, it is absolutely unstoppable, it gets everywhere, and so we have to do everything we possibly can to stop it. And one of the best ways to stop it is a well-fitting surgical mask properly over your face, pushed in over your nose, covering everything, and that reduces the risk to others and the risk to you.

“If it works, why on earth don’t people use it? It’s not a party political issue – this virus doesn’t vote,” he added. “There’s no difference in how you deal with the virus when you vote for this party or that party.

“So everybody, wear masks when you are in close confinement, it’s the right sensible proper thing to do, and everybody should be doing it, including our leaders.”

On Sunday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak dodged questions on the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme over whether he ought to wear a mask in the crowded Commons, while health secretary Sajid Javid has said MPs ought to set an example by wearing face coverings.