People are being urged to use face masks once again and to stay at home if they feel unwell as the NHS comes under mounting pressure in the midst of an influx of winter illnesses.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the advice as hospitals struggle with soaring rates of Covid, flu and Strep A.
Health bosses have warned that “Dickensian overcrowding” i n A&E departments across the UK is causing the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of patients.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, has advised people feeling ill should stay indoors and avoid visiting vulnerable people unless it's urgent. She added that mask-wearing was advisable.
The Manchester Evening News ventured out into Salford to ask the public how they feel about wearing masks again and if they will be staying at home if they feel ill. Here is what they said:
Fenton Duffy, 21, who lives in Salford said he would be happy to mask up indoors.
He said: "I don't mind wearing a mask inside to stop the spread.
"It can be uncomfortable being inside in a queue and people are coughing. When it is outside I don't think it is necessary.
"As far as staying at home if you feel unwell is concerned, I am happy to go along with it but it could cause financial difficulty."
Norma Baldacchino, 83, lives in Salford and is retired. She says: "I think you should wear masks until it is all clear. It has never been all clear, but they just let us please ourselves.
"If everyone did as they were told it would be better, wearing a mask is a really good thing. My sister Grace thinks the same, we will get rid of the disease if everyone does it."
Maureen Boyd, 71, is retired and lives in Salford. She says: "I did not wear a mask at first and I got Covid and I have done ever since then.
"I wear a mask every time I leave the house, I think it's a very good idea, as is staying off work if you feel unwell - it's a way of stopping anyone from giving it to someone else."
Juliette Izevbizua, 35, lives in Stockport. She says she sees wearing a mask and staying at home if you feel ill as something people should be doing.
She says: "For me it is OK, it is necessary. You are protecting yourself and protecting others."
Sue Gordon from Salford does not agree. She says: "I don't think we should have to wear masks again. We have been through that, so why start to do it again.
"I think it is unnecessary." Sue says she has cancer and currently can not get into the doctors.
She says: "I can't get into the doctors for an appointment to get certain sprays and medication I need."
Ste Littlehales, 24, a scaffolder from Salford says he does not believe in Covid. He says "I don't believe in Covid and I think there is a lot more to it."
He also thinks it is hypocritical of government due to situations like 'party gate', where the prime minister was discovered to have broken rules by participating in a party.
He says: "It is hypocritical. Boris Johnson is having parties - I would not wear a mask, I would just refuse it, like I refused the vaccine."
READ NEXT:
China diplomats wanted over Manchester assault outside consulate 'not welcome back', says minister
'China's Rupert Murdoch' steps down as director of Man City parent company City Football Group
“This is a mad dish. Are those black beans?” - The hidden gem Chinese lunch in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester town named in top 20 of Britain's happiest places to live
