FACE masks should still be worn when travelling on public transport around the county, the council has said.

The majority of restrictions on social contact ended on Monday (July 19) including the legal requirement for face masks to be worn in public spaces.

Worcestershire County Council has “strongly urged” passengers to “do the right thing” and continue wearing face masks when travelling to protect themselves and others around them.

The plea is in line with government guidance which says people are “expected and strongly recommended” to carry on wearing face masks on public transport.

Cllr Alan Amos, the council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Our residents have been fantastic at playing their part in keeping case numbers down during the pandemic and I would urge them to continue.

“Therefore, it is imperative that all passengers wear a face a covering on public transport in order to both protect themselves and others.

“We need to support bus drivers to do their job and not need to step in to sort out disputes and being distracted.

“This latest lifting of restrictions is a real opportunity for us to take advantage of our local transport network and the services it offers.

“We know how vital the local transport network is to our residents as many of them engaged with us throughout the Passenger Transport Strategy consultation.

We are determined to do everything we can to ensure that bus travel is safe and people are confident in using the services.

“Most bus journeys are short and we are all well used to wearing face covering therefore, please do the right thing by continuing to wearing face coverings to keep you and those around you safe and be considerate of others.”

The call to continue wearing masks follows the council’s plea for people to use public transport where possible as more people return to offices and workplaces and start making regular journeys that were not done before the pandemic.