Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Masks are a must from
Public urged to help protect most vulnerable Rulebreakers risk £60 fine as R number goes up
THE Executive has made it mandatory for customers to wear face coverings when visiting shops from today.
Failure to comply can result in a £60 fine, unless the individual is unable to use one, for example young children or those with underlying health conditions.
It is the customer’s responsibility to wear a covering to help combat the spread of coronavirus and retailers will encourage the new regulations.
Ministers received an update on the progression of the epidemic, which shows the R number is now above one.
They emphasised the need for continued vigilance and adherence to public health advice.
It was agreed a cross-departmental high street task force will be established to consider and address the key issues affecting businesses.
The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium is asking the public to be respectful and considerate of the new rule and is urging “everyone who can wear face coverings to abide by the law”.
Director Aodhan Connolly said retailers “are doing all they can to support necessary safety regulations” and “will play their role in communicating and encouraging” the Executive’s new laws.
He added: “While enforcement of this policy will be handled by the police, the ultimate responsibility remains with customers who must ensure they wear a face covering when going into stores.
“Our shopping experience is changing and we ask customers to be respectful and considerate when the new rules come into force today.
“We would urge everyone who can wear face coverings to abide by the law and do so.
“This is not just about a legal responsibility – it’s about protecting each other.”
Mr Connolly is asking the public to encourage their family, friends and colleagues to wear a mask as “everyone has a role to play in ensuring compliance”.
He added: “From the start of this crisis we have always said our main ask of shoppers has been to think of others and be kind. That has never been more important than it is now.
“We have seen abuse and violence against staff rise and we would ask for the public to remember our frontline colleagues are doing a great job in tough circumstances.
“Please be respectful and kind to them.
“Continue to social distance, wash your hands and from today wear a face covering.
“We look forward to further
Executive communications on this to ensure everyone understands the reasons for these changes.
“It is vital consumers are confident enough to return to their high streets as demand remains low despite the lifting of lockdown.
“If sales and footfall fail to recover quickly, Government should
The use of face masks is a vital defence in
Covid-19 battle
EXECUTIVE STATEMENT YESTERDAY
urgently consider steps to boost demand or else we will see many more shop closures and subsequent job losses.”
In a joint statement, the Executive said: “The use of face coverings is a vital defence in our battle against Covid-19. That’s why we have taken the step to make this mandatory in certain settings from today. This is about looking after each other and doing everything we can to stay on top of this virus. It will help to save lives.
“As the slogan of our public information campaign puts it ‘Wear one for everyone’.
“Our citizens have made great sacrifices during this pandemic, staying at home to stop Covid-19 spreading. Now that the lockdown has been eased, we must keep following public health advice, whether that be wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing or washing our hands.
“We need to maintain the collective spirit that got us through the first surge. We want face coverings in shops and other enclosed settings to increasingly become the norm in our society.”