Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Facing up to new rules
Tele readers have their say on the wearing of face coverings
ABOUT 90% of Tele readers are sticking to Scottish Government guidelines by wearing a mask or face covering when shopping.
More than 1,000 people voted in our online poll on the issue.
The result comes after Tele columnist Ewan Gurr said he would not be wearing a mask, describing the advice as “ill informed” and quoting Dr Jenny Harries, deputy chief medical officer for England, who said “their use could potentially lead to contamination and the transfer of coronavirus”.
Of the 1,042 people who voted in our poll, 76.3% (795 people) said they have always worn a mask in shops and on public transport since the rules came into effect.
A further 12.96% (135 people) said they have purchased masks and have always tried to use them but had forgotten on occasion.
However, 10.74% (112 people) said they had not worn a mask and do not intend to.
One reader said: “Won’t be in shops until I can do so without wearing a mask. Will also avoid public transport. I note whilst we are required to wear masks in Tesco, you can sit in a busy pub without one. Crazy.”
However, another disagreed, saying: “It does only give some slight protection against being infected, but if you have the virus you can pass it on before you even realise you have it, and face coverings do help stop that, both by the filtering effect, and by stopping the jets of air from coughs, sneezes and just breathing out from travelling far.”
Some people, including those with particular underlying medical conditions or disabilities, are exempt in Scotland.
A Scottish Government spokesman said people were expected to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces to “minimise” the spread of Covid-19.
He added that people who are exempt should not be abused or treated in an unacceptable way and should not be made to wear a face covering or denied access to shops. n “Arrogant Gurr is wrong on masks” – See Your Voice on page 14.