With reports of stricter lockdown rules being put in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, we asked Adver readers if they would wear masks outside.

Some discussions have centred around whether there is a need for people to wear face coverings while outdoors.

England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty has indicated there may be some logic to people wearing masks if they are in close proximity for longer periods, like huddled around market stalls.

Keith Neal, Emeritus Professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases, University of Nottingham, has echoed this.

He said walking or running past someone is such a fleeting contact the possibility of infection is incredibly low.

However, standing in queues, such as for supermarkets, for prolonged periods with less than two meters distance puts people at a substantially higher risk of spreading or catching the virus than simply passing on the pavement.

There was a mixed response to the suggestion on Facebook with many people disagreeing on the correct time to use a mask.

Ian Haddrell: "I said this at start, should have been compulsory to wear one as soon as you step outdoors."

Raymondo Lorenzo: "No, especially in parks when there's no chance of getting it.

"I wear mask sometimes for seven to 15 hours a day in care home and when I'm outside for walks the last thing I want to wear is a mask."

Rebecca Dunne: "My opinion is no. If your out and about and there is plenty of space to be socially distanced then no need.

"Shopping centres, work places and sports facilities are different.

"Next we'll be told to wear them when driving and when putting the bins out."

Valerie Britton: "Definitely no. It's bad enough being locked down, let alone wearing a mask outside.

"People's mental health needs to be thought about and believe me people are really not handling the situation very well as it has been an awful long time for them, especially the elderly and people living on their own."

Kay Lyn Horsley: "I wear mine from when I leave the house to when I get back home.

"I totally get not all people can but I can so I do to help those who can't."

Michaela Johnston: "I have asthma and I happily wear one in shops, but walking my dogs with a mask on would be horrendous.

"I just socially distance and I am very cautious and do all I can to protect myself, and others."

Lily Manns: "Maybe outside shops or schools but not if you're exercising.

"Think of how restrictive your breathing would be."

David Thomas: "Let's look at China. They wear their masks all the time, it's the norm for them.

"They've recovered fastest from this, businesses are open, people are living virtually normal lives. Wear a mask, get the vaccine.

"Do your bit and we might have a life again some time soon."

Dan Messenger: "I'll let the scientists and medical professionals decide that one.

"They are the ones with the training, qualifications and experience to make that decision."

Liz McAlister: "Yes. They also need to be taught that their nose goes under as well.

"Men seem to think they wear a mask like a baggy pair of undies."

Catherine Millband: "I already have to wear it for seven hours at work. I really don't fancy outdoors as well."

Steve Young: "Yes. From what I've seen is people are still coughing and sneezing and spitting without covering their mouths through town.

"If it's the only way to beat this then so be it."

Mat Brennan: "Unnecessary in my opinion, however strict enforcement of wearing properly indoors is required, i.e. over mouth and nose.

"Whilst there are a very very small number of cases with a legitimate medical reason not to be able to wear a mask (most of whom should be shielding anyway), the vast majority claiming a reason are just spouting nonsense."