Commenting on the Prime Minister's announcement that mask wearing will once again become mandatory in shops and on public transport Metro Mayor Dan Norris said:

"Mask wearing is a completely sensible measure to help keep you and your neighbours safer.

The new Omicron variant is clearly a big worry and I urge everyone in the West of England to continue to do all they can to help slow the spread."

The Metro Mayor has consistently called for mask wearing to be made mandatory on public transport and in shops since the summer with messages on First buses and a poster campaign. In November, Mr Norris launched another big push to encourage mask use writing to 10,000 local businesses and placing adverts in the local press.

He continued: "I would like to thank everyone in the West of England who has been wearing a mask. Undoubtedly you have helped save lives and kept pressure off our NHS. But I am very concerned about our NHS. I have spoken to many local doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who tell me we are in the midst of a winter crisis."

"Everyone wants to help the NHS and to try to save Christmas. Another lockdown and cancelled Christmas would be a total failure by the Government."

The Metro Mayor has also urged everyone eligible to take up the offer of a booster jab.