South West leaders urge more mask wearing
We're told we need to act responsibly as Covid cases soar
Leaders across our region are urging us to start wearing masks again in public places as coronavirus cases spike.
The West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris is sending out posters to thousands of businesses urging people to wear them.
He's also taking out pro-mask adverts in local papers and has written to Health Secretary Sajid Javid asking for extra funding to help tackle Covid.
It comes as the leader of Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council has released a statement urging the same action.
"The Covid situation in BANES is serious and we now need to take urgent action if we are to protect our communities and minimise the risk to the health and wellbeing of our residents," Kevin Guy's statement reads.
"Pressure on the NHS is growing both nationally and regionally and there is increasing evidence of rising numbers of infections in our local schools.
"We may hope that half term will act as a circuit-breaker and offer some respite, but in the absence of responsible action from central government, it is essential that we act quickly and decisively locally to address the threat we currently face."
Dan Norris says the country and the region faces a "looming crisis".
"The last thing I want to see is more death and heartbreak, with patients queuing on trolleys as our precious NHS is brought to its knees," he says.
Case rates in our region are currently significantly higher than the national average, at some of the highest levels seen throughout the pandemic to date.
The rate in BANES currently sits at 1,079.7 cases per 100,000 people according to the latest Government data up to October 19.
Bristol's is at 763.7 per 100,000 people, South Gloucestershire's is at 931.5 and North's Somerset's at 983.0.
That compares to the national average which is 482.0 per 100,000 people.
"I am calling on everyone in BANES voluntarily to resume wearing masks in public places such as shops and entertainment venues, as well as in educational establishments and on public transport, unless they are exempt," councillor Guy continues.
Nationally Labour is calling for more action to tackle coronavirus, but the government insists the data does not yet suggest anything needs to change.
During a press conference last week Health Secretary Javid urged people to get vaccinated but said he did not believe current pressure on the NHS is unsustainable.
"Plan B" were it needed, would include the return of mandatory face coverings and working from home as well as compulsory vaccine passports.