Michael Gove – 2020 Comments on Face Masks

The comments made by Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office Minister, on BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on 12 July 2020.

I don’t think [face masks] will be mandatory, but I would encourage people to wear a face mask when they’re inside and in an environment where they might be mixing with others and where the ventilation may not be as good as it might. So, I think that it is basic good manners, courtesy, consideration, to wear a face mask if you, for example, are in a shop. But, I trust peoples’ good sense, and the Government does look at all times at the emerging evidence and, if necessary,  then tough measures will be taken. On the whole, my view is that it’s always better to trust peoples’ common sense and to give them a clear sense of what is wise and that individuals and businesses are responding well to that.