'Just wear a mask, it's no hardship' - Gazette readers have their say on change in face covering rules

The question on our Facebook page came ahead of the Government’s announcement that their use would become compulsory in shops in England from Friday, July 24.

When asked whether the change would make them feel safer, 58% of the 819 people polled via Facebook said it would – with 42% answering no.

Current evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you from coronavirus.

However, if you are infected but are not showing any symptoms, wearing a face-covering will offer some degree of protection for those you come in close contact with.

Here's how you reacted on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

David Morrow: “In Italy, all shops required you to wear them and everyone did. No mask, no entry. Was also politely stopped by police to check I was carrying hand sanitiser, I had no problem at all with it.

"Folk kicked off years ago when seat belts in cars were made mandatory, now it's just the first thing you do when getting in a car, it becomes second nature. Just wear a mask it's no hardship.”

Nikki Petters: “It's been left up to us to wear, I've been wearing a mask for ages in supermarkets and public transport, it's a small price to pay. We have to live with the virus, it's here for the long haul.”

Maria Wilkinson: “Most of the shops were shut but I think masks should have been mandatory from the beginning of lockdown. I know masks won't stop you catching it but they will stop your cough/sneeze travelling further than it normally would, helping reduce your chances of passing it on.”

John Mac: “The mandatory mask-wearing will do more harm than good, especially to local businesses.”

Alan Gibson: “It seems no one who wears them know how to use them, I've seen hundreds of people with them round their neck, or under their nose or constantly moving them up and down, there is no point wearing one if not used properly.”

Raymond Bosworth: “Feel sorry for the staff in shops and why start on the 24th, does the virus start then?”

Les Payn: “Whether face masks are effective or not, I think what they do offer, is when you are seen with a mask on, you are sending out a message - a message that you are treating this pandemic seriously, and spreading awareness that it is still with us. And that has to be a positive. I always wear mine in shops, because social distancing is abandoned in most stores.”

Lee Chow: “What about old people who need to pop in the post office to pay the bills and have some form of social interaction? Will they be turned away because they haven't got a mask? Will the police be outside every shop? Will people just start reporting others? It will be interesting, to say the least.”

Thomas Bertram: “Covid-1984.”

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