Covering up: How we are all facing the ‘new mask normal’
LAST FRIDAY saw the first wave of Calderdale shoppers donning the new mandatory face masks and coverings, in a bid to help us get out and about, without causing a second wave of Covid-19.
Masks must be worn when entering shops, supermarkets, banks, takeaways and sandwich shops. They must also be worn when traveling on public transport and when in train stations or airports. Members of the public must also wear a face covering when buying food and drink to take away from cafes and shops.
Masks do not need to be worn in restaurants, gyms and pubs.
Lou Harkness Hudson runs
‘I think it has given people the confidence to come out and enjoy the shopping’
Hudson Belle in the Piece Hall. She says that the public adhered to the new rule respectfully and believes that it helping folks become more comfortable with leaving the house.
She said: “The weekend went really well, everyone was compliant there were no negative comments from our customers and we found it very easy too. We didn’t have to ask anyone to wear one they all did that voluntarily.
“I think it has given people the confidence to come out and enjoy the shopping on offer at The Piece Hall as it’s such a good space and it’s been very well organised since reopening. The atmosphere in the shop was great and we saw lots of our regulars come back too which was lovely they have been so supportive over lockdown and really kept us going”
The majority of shoppers have embraced the new rule, however some have voiced their concerns regarding clarity and consistency guidelines.
Diane Pickles Hartley said: “You don’t need a face covering in a cinema where you’ll be spending at least an hour and a half with a number of people, but you need one to go to your local shop, sandwich shop or take away, where there are a
of
Government small number of people who are in and out pretty quickly.
“I can understand not wearing one in a pub or a restaurant, but to have to wear one when you’ll literally be spending minutes and with social distancing meassures and limited people. It makes no sense at all.”
Stevie Candice commented: “If more people wear masks, then those that are classed as high risk can venture out more. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for others.”
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