MASKS should be made mandatory again to curb the rise in Covid cases, it has been claimed as NHS chiefs urge the public to support further restrictions if they are introduced.

Some medics have called for tougher rules this winter to reduce cases, deaths and pressure on the NHS after a worrying rise in positive coronavirus cases across the country.

Residents and councillors in Southend have backed masks being made mandatory in shops and public places again if it prevents further lockdowns this winter.

Martin Terry, Independent Southend councillor for public protection, fears people have taken their foot off the pedal.

He said: “I wish people would use common sense and I think we need mask wearing made mandatory again, especially in closed spaces.

“We also need stronger and reenforced messages about social distancing such as the hands, face, space messaging.

“I know people who have been vaccinated and still got the virus and hospitalisations are putting huge pressure on the NHS, which is on its knees.

“I urge people to be sensible and do the right thing.”

Louisa Wright, 35, of Southend said: “I think it’s a small price to pay and I would rather we see preventative measures than reactive ones after we see it get much worse.

“I don’t see why people moan about things such as masks when you think of what frontline NHS staff go through, it’s nothing.

“We’ve done it before and we do it again too. If cases go up and it gets worse than of course I will do my bit.

“I think we’ve got to trust the Government, they don’t say these things for no reason.”

Southend and Basildon hospital bosses say they remain committed to the use of vaccines and face masks.

Last week, the British Medical Association called on the Government to introduce it’s Plan B measures to avoid a winter crisis.

This includes making face masks compulsory, introducing Covid passports and advising people to work from home.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, Southend Council’s director of public health, said: “With rates rising across the country, we continue to ask that people grab the jab and carry on with the good public health and hand hygiene measures.

“So please keep getting tested, washing your hands regularly, wear a face covering in crowded places and remember to ventilate rooms when you are meeting indoors.

“In terms of future restrictions and guidance, we will of course be guided by Government, but we have seen throughout the pandemic the vast majority of people following any measures that have been put place, such as the wearing of face coverings.”