Shoppers welcome new masks rule

A NEW rule making face coverings mandatory in shops has been welcomed as a “welcome kick up the backside”.

From yesterday, masks were required to enter enclosed public spaces with a limited number of exceptional circumstances amid the battle against coronavirus.

People who do not cover up could be hit with a £60 fine

The rule was welcomed by both shoppers and retailers on East

Belfast’s Belmont Road. Anna Mccartney said it was sensible, adding: “None of us want to do it but it is the right thing to do.”

Mark Thompson, whose partner is a health worker, told how he has been wearing a covering since the start of the pandemic.

He said: “I think it’s a bit irresponsible if you don’t wear a mask, specifically in shops.

“And I think shop keepers are almost scared to say, ‘Put a mask on’ because they want return business and need to keep in business.

“My other half works in the City Hospital so I have been wearing a mask since day one.

“I hope people catch up, I’m not sure if they have, but a little kick in the backside is not a bad thing.”

Business owners said most people had been happy to comply.

Lisa Drennan, of the Just For You card and gift shop, added it is hard for retailers to know whether to tell customers to wear a mask if they are not already. She said: “We’ll see how it goes, we’re just all trying to make sure there isn’t another surge of Covid coming up to the winter.”

Craig Stafford, manager of MK Toys and Books, added he felt the guidance is unclear for those under the age of 13.

He said: “That is kind of hard to police in shops, you can’t really ask kids, ‘What age are you?’ As far as policing it goes, we are just hoping people wear masks.”