Plastic not fantastic: Perspex screens ‘may increase transmission’

Whitehall has drawn up guidance urging the government to ditch the screens after it emerged they could potentially block airflow in public venues, according to political website Politico.

Restaurant and bar operators went to great expense installing the plastic screens after being advised they would protect against Covid transmission within their venues.

But ministers have been told they are unlikely to have any benefit and could even be counter-productive, especially if they are not positioned correctly. 

A raft of new rules to ensure workplaces and venues are safe for employees to return at least part-time is reportedly being considered, including a requirement for offices to install ventilation systems.

Face masks may also still be required in some settings long-term, as ministers draw up plans to help the nation “live with Covid” even after England enters step four of the roadmap for leaving lockdown.

The blueprint also warned that there may need to be a return to tougher social distancing measures in the winter to avoid a fourth wave of infections.

Downing Street insisted that no decisions have yet been made on the proposals, with a review into long-term social distancing measures still ongoing.