GOVERNMENT experts are expected to ask the public to wear scarves or other face coverings instead of medical face masks during the coronavirus outbreak.

Discussions on the benefits of masks in limiting the spread of the infection are ongoing between ministers and the scientific advisory group on emergencies, known as Sage.

The government has previously said that there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that the wearing of masks will help limit the spread of the virus.

It is understood that new guidance will ask people to use scarves, or make homemade masks out of old T-shirts or bedding, where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport.

But it will warn against the use of surgical medical masks as it could leave the NHS with further shortages of personal protective equipment.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, speaking at his weekly briefing on the region’s response to Covid-19, said he was aware of talks between Sage and the government.

“Once we do get back towards people using public transport in bigger numbers, it might be hard to have the very strict distance between people on tram or buses,” he said.

“I understand why people are starting to talk about encouraging people to put some kind of face covering on.

“As I understand, it doesn’t have to be to the health service standard, even a simple covering would offer a degree of protection, and that’s an issue we’re going to have to look at.

Mr Burnham added: “We are aware that experts are advising ministers and there’s going to be a recommendation on this soon.

“I think it’s an assumption that has growing salience that we might recommend to people that they take steps to minimise the risk of passing the infection onto others.”

The government’s previous stance on the merit of the widespread wearing of masks had been informed by the views of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Public Health England.

WHO guidance says that only two groups of people should wear masks: those who are sick or showing symptoms of Covid-19, or those who are caring for people showing symptoms.

The health agency has also warned against the general public using face masks ask they could be easily contaminated by germs spread by other people coughing or sneezing.

But some countries like the United States it is now mandatory for those venturing out in public to wear masks.

Germany has also announced plans to make masks compulsory on transport, with some states also extending this to shops.