When can we stop wearing masks in the UK?
Masks have been mandatory in public places since the beginning of the pandemic (Picture: Getty)  As Freedom Day approaches, many are hoping a return to normal daily life is on the horizon. Whether that be going to nightclubs, hopping on flights abroad, or just taking off your face covering, the hope is that most rules will relaxed once the country reaches its final stage of lockdown. Environment Secretary George Eustice has said he will ditch his face mask when the rule is scrapped and accepts a lot of people are sick of wearing them. But experts are divided as to whether face coverings should disappear completely. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he expects to stop wearing a mask as soon as possible after it is no longer legally required  but it is not yet known when that will be. The final stage of the roadmap is scheduled for July 19, but its not clear if masks will be scrapped on this date. Environment Secretary George Eustice is fed up with his mask (Picture: PA)  Alongside large-scale events research, the government is also carrying out a study into the effects of social distancing. The use of masks will also be considered by the other three reviews into:  The introduction of vaccine passports  Public event safety  the results of which showed no substantial outbreaks, as just 28 cases were detected among 58,000 attendees. Non-essential international travel  Its thought the results of this survey could inform face-covering policy in the coming months. Until that point, its likely that government ministers will advise mask-wearing in certain circumstances, like in large crowds or during the winter when infection rates could be higher. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video  Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he hoped they would become the norm on public transport as a matter of personal responsibility.  Face coverings  when worn over the nose and mouth  reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets, protecting others. Masks can help to reduce spread of the virus from people who are contagious but have no symptoms. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  Share your views in the comments below