Face Coverings to be Mandatory in England's shops

[TheOstrich]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53397617

It is being reported that it will be announced shortly that face coverings will be mandatory in English shops from 24th July.

[JoM]

Hmmm. I totally understand why but what is the difference between a shop and the likes of pubs, restaurants, gyms and cinemas? They’re all enclosed spaces after all. Obviously I get that it’s difficult to eat and drink with a mask on but I don’t think that alcohol and social distancing are a good mix.

[miasmum]

If it’s mandatory it’s mandatory not in 11 days time. This is purely about Bojo not letting Gove get one over on him

I’ll be honest I am fuming. Three months ago when Covid was at its peak I was spending almost double the time in a supermarket than I ever had. I was shopping for 6 people and queueing for 30 mins for the privilege. Covid was at its peak and yet I didn’t have to wear a face covering.

Now luckily I’m down to 3 people and I don’t have to queue but NOW, sorry in 11 days, I have to wear a mask

I only have to wear one at work in front of patients not in front of my colleagues

Don’t get me wrong I’m not against wearing masks on public transport, at the hairdressers, having my legs waxed (although how ridiculous is that) in fact anywhere Im in front of the same person for longer than 10 mins but I strongly object to being ordered to wear one in a shop NOW

We posted at the same time Jo. I am vehemently opposed to pubs reopening. Restaurants yes, pubs to eat yes but with a 90 min time slot, but pubs purely for drinking ABSOLUTELY NOT

[TheOstrich]

Well, I will duly wear a face mask when I go food shopping after 24/07, but only because it is going to be the law. No other reason.

What this announcement also means is that I am far less likely to visit any other shops; leisure shopping and browsing will be a complete no-no, and I know I'm not the only person saying they'll take this decision. So that's a whole raft of money which will not be going into the local economy, and if more High Street shops close and jobs are lost, well, don't blame me or folk like me, blame this inept Government.

Another problem I foresee is that this will in no way help the collective mental health of the community, and we will see many more people suffering depression and withdrawal from society.

I really don't think the Government have any idea of the consequences of this action. I may be wrong, time will tell, but I think we are ushering in fundamental lifestyle changes which will radically alter society as we have known it.

[saundra]

I have copd and I can't breath in a mask

[Workingman]

Well, I will duly wear a face mask when I go food shopping after 24/07, but only because it is going to be the law. No other reason.

What this announcement also means is that I am far less likely to visit any other shops; leisure shopping and browsing will be a complete no-no, and I know I'm not the only person saying they'll take this decision.

You are certainly not alone. I hate shopping, real or window, with a vengeance so any excuse to avoid either is welcome. And as for eating out, whether it be at a pub, cafe or restaurant at the present time, forget it. A pack-up and a wander in the woods or on the moors is more me.

I see there is a new report from the Academy of Medical Sciences. The report, requested by the UK's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, suggests that there could be between 24,500 and 251,000 of virus-related deaths over the winter. That's some range! That being the (possible) case I am not against the wearing of masks, even though the science is iffy, by those who want to be part of the herd. However, it has to be consistent and not either / or, and it should also apply to all staff in whatever setting, including police, who are in contact with the public - no exceptions. Also any transgressions have to be severely and meaningfully punished, not slapped wrists.

[saundra]

24Jul i on the news or a £100fine can't see the police being able to deal with fines
Why wait till then still I hate shopping anyway
Will have to go on the beach ,in a taxi and me mask

[Kaz]

I have copd and I can't breath in a mask

You'll be exempt (((x)))

[saundra]

Ho right then I would get yelled at for not wearing a mask
By,some yob?

[Kaz]