THE National Deaf Children’s Society has responded to the Government’s announcement that face coverings will be compulsory on public transport in England from June 15th.

Ian Noon, Head of Policy at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:

“Nothing is more important than public health, but the use of face coverings on public transport will make life harder for the nine million deaf people across England.

“Almost all of them rely on lip-reading and visual cues to communicate and they could face months of misery and confusion as they travel.

“If people wore transparent face masks it would make a huge difference, but simple deaf awareness tips like being patient, writing things down or using gestures if a deaf person needs you to will also have a big impact.”