A further government directive made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 31 July extended the rule “to other indoor settings where you’re likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.” The PM added, “We now recommend face coverings are worn in these settings and this will become enforceable in law from 8 August.” He also delayed the latest relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown due in England on 1 August for at least a fortnight. However, guidance that employers should let more staff work from offices again will still be in place.

New official data shows rising infection levels of the coronavirus.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that if the large increase in medical waste such as single use plastic masks continue, the consequences will include public health risks from infected used masks, and the open burning or uncontrolled incineration of masks, leading to the release of toxins in the environment, and to secondary transmission of diseases to humans.

Because of fears of these potential secondary impacts on health and the environment, UNEP is urging governments to treat the management of waste, including medical and hazardous waste, as an essential public service. The agency argues that the safe handling, and final disposal of this waste is a vital element in an effective emergency response.

The planet positive, sustainable label, Bags of Ethics is is part of a joint project with the British Fashion Council ‘Great British Designer Face Coverings: Reusable, for People and Planet’.