47 shares Face masks are expected to still be in use until the end of the year at least, Sir Patrick warned. Speaking alongside Boris Johnson at a Downing Street press conference yesterday, the chief scientific adviser suggested 'non-medical interventions', including masks, are likely to continue even if the UK's vaccination drive is successful. He said: 'It’s possible that, coming into next winter in particular, certain things may be necessary. 'Tony Fauci yesterday said in the US that he thought that things like masks may be needed next winter. 'I think we’re in the same position, that it may be necessary next winter to have things like mask-wearing in certain situations.'