Cambridgeshire mayor Dr Nik Johnson calls for those who can to continue to wear masks in public places

The mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is calling for those who can wear a mask to continue to do so in public places.

Dr Nik Johnson released a statement today (Wednesday, July 14) asking for people to “continue to wear a mask on our buses and trains, and in public spaces” after restrictions ease on July 19.

His comments follow an announcement by London mayor Sadiq Khan that face coverings must be worn on the capital’s transport network.

Dr Johnson said: “I’ve been thinking hard about what I’ve been calling ‘open for business’ day on Monday 19 July. There’s no doubt that easing of restrictions will be a great relief to our businesses; I’m very aware of how difficult the last year has been for the regional economy.”

The Labour mayor’s statement continued: “But I’m also, as a doctor and as mayor, well aware of the many, many people for whom so-called ‘Freedom’ Day is anything but. I campaigned on the basis of #compassion, #co-operation and #community and continuing to wear a mask, if you can, is no different.

“Compassion, for our most vulnerable people, and their families and friends. Co-operation, to prevent further waves, and further restriction. Community must be our priority: keeping everyone safe, bringing everyone with us as we open up again. Commerce relies on people feeling confident to go out and spend in shops and use public transport – not to avoid doing so because of people not wearing masks.

“As mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, I stand with Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham in their encouragement to continue to wear masks on public transport and in crowded places. I ask everyone who is able to continue to wear a mask on our buses and trains, and in public spaces. To keep our businesses open, and avoid more lockdowns, I will wear a mask. On public transport, I will wear a mask. To keep my colleagues and patients safe, I will wear a mask. I ask you all to join me.”

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