Earlier this week (February 21), the Prime Minister announced the end to all Covid restrictions across the country, including the end to self-isolation from Thursday, February 24.
Following this, Mayor Sadiq Khan said that he expected the rule to wear face masks on the tube – which had remained after the lifting of mask wearing in other confined spaces – to be lifted. Now, it has been confirmed that, from today (February 24), masks will no longer need to be worn on the tube.
Transport for London bosses will, however, continue to recommend that masks are worn when using the service, as they are a “simple, effective measure” in curbing the spread of Covid. Sadiq Khan also urged passengers to “continue to wear a face covering where appropriate unless exempt”. TfL have dropped the mask ruling after data showed the infection rate to be waning.
Following the announcement of the Government’s “Living With Covid ” plan, the mayor released a statement.
He said: “Following the Government dropping all legal Covid restrictions, and in light of falling infection levels in London, it is expected that wearing a face covering will no longer be a condition of carriage on the TfL network.
“However, we know that face coverings remain a simple, effective measure that give Londoners confidence to travel, and following clear advice from public health advisers, TfL will likely continue to recommend their use on the network.
“I urge passengers to be considerate of their fellow Londoners and continue to wear a face covering where appropriate unless exempt.”
TfL has also recommended that passnegers in taxis and vehicles for hire continue to wear face masks.