No one wants masks, but we still need them to keep Covid at bay | Letters

Doctor Kelly Fearnley and an immunocompromised patient respond to Dr Jack Pickard's letter calling for an end to the requirement for mask-wearing in all clinical areas

As a fellow doctor, I'd like to remind Jack Pickard (Letters, 2 February) of his duty of care to patients and of their right to be cared for in safe environments. His opinion that the ongoing requirement for mask-wearing in all clinical areas should be abolished is irresponsible.

I am sure many builders would prefer not to wear a hard hat on site, just as some doctors would prefer not to wear a mask. However, as per the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the wearing of correct personal protective equipment at work is a legal requirement.