SADIQ Khan wants face masks to remain compulsory on public transport after next Monday.
The London Mayor has asked Transport for London to introduce the rule when the legal requirement becomes “guidance”.
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This is despite his own spokesman saying there is “no evidence to suggest that public transport is any less safe than any other enclosed indoor setting with high numbers of people mixing”.
Mr Khan said: “I’ve repeatedly made clear that the simplest and safest option would have been for the Government to retain the national requirement for face coverings on public transport.
“I’m not prepared to stand by and put Londoners, and our city’s recovery, at risk.
“This is why, after careful consideration, I have decided to ask TfL to retain the requirement for passengers to wear a face covering on all TfL services when the national regulations change.
“It’s an extra layer of protection on top of TfL’s world-leading enhanced cleaning regime – and I’m sure Londoners will continue to do the right thing as they have done throughout the pandemic, and continue to wear a face covering on TfL services.”
Meanwhile 36,660 new Covid cases were recorded yesterday with 50 deaths.