Sadiq Khan calls for COMPULSORY face masks on Tubes and buses after 26 London transport workers die of coronavirus

London Mayor Sadiq Khan today called for compulsory masks to be worn on tubes and buses after 26 Transport for London (TfL) staff members died of coronavirus.

Khan also said that once the lockdown is lifted 'all of us' may need to wear face masks in order to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning Khan said he is lobbying the Government to change its advice on wearing face coverings to add 'another layer of protection'. 

Khan said that wearing a non-medical facial covering makes it less likely you may inadvertently give somebody else Covid-19. 

He also confirmed bus travel would be free from Monday as passengers are forced to board using only side doors to protect drivers
 

Responding this morning Grant Shapps said on LBC it was 'not the right moment' to ask people to wear masks and said the government would continue to be guided by scientific advice when it came to implementing any recommendations on the use of masks for the general public.     

16 London bus drivers from across the capital have died after contracting the coronavirus and the families of the drivers have previously complained about the conditions. 

In total 26 TfL workers have died after testing positive for Covid-19 and one 63-year-old bus driver recently said the network was 'putting her life at risk' due to the conditions.    

Khan said today that commuters using the underground will 'not be required to touch in' with their payment card or device. This is to avoid passengers approaching the driver’s cab, where all buses have a card reader. 

The new measures introduced by the London network come as Khan continues to face increased pressure from Londoners. 

He added: 'It's heartbreaking, I've had 16 bus drivers who have lost their lives, it's personal to me. It's really heartbreaking and my condolences to those families.

'We've gone above and beyond advice we've been given by the experts.'

He continued: 'The evidence I've seen is if you wear a non-medical facial covering it doesn't necessarily limit your changes of catching the virus. What it does do, if you yourself are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic, it reduces the chances of you giving the virus to somebody else.

'And so wherever you can't keep your social distance you should be wearing a facial covering.'

Medical guidance around wearing masks has been unclear and many have been left wondering whether or not they are an effective tool. 



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