The NHS's supply of face masks could be jeopardised if the Government begins advising the public to wear them, hospital bosses have warned.
Scientific advisers for the Government are carrying out a review of the use of face masks, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) saying there is no evidence to support their use by the general population.
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, has urged the Government to "fully assess" the impact any new advice could have on health service supplies.
In a statement on Monday, he said: "Fluid repellent masks for health and care staff are key to safety and to avoid the spread of coronavirus. "Securing the supply of masks, when there is