Government must look at mandating mask-wearing in museums and galleries

There have been reports that the government is planning to tighten some COVID restrictions in the UK, including around the introduction of vaccine passports at large events.

But this ignores the problem we have been seeing in other venues large numbers of people visit from all over the country, like museums and galleries, where there have been reports from Prospect members of a lot of people not wearing masks .

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect said:

“The government must use any updating of COVID restrictions to urgently address safety and mask-wearing in museums and galleries.

“Despite mandatory mask wearing in shops and public transport, too many visitors to museums and galleries continue to ignore advice in enclosed spaces. This cannot be allowed to continue in the face of a prospective Omicron wave.

“Too many Prospect members report feeling at risk and being left behind by government.
“Museums and galleries were badly hit by the pandemic so it is important to keep them open in as safe a way as possible and this should include the mandatory wearing of masks.”