‘Masks will prevent a second wave’

Some of Maidstone’s traders have backed the Government’s stance on face masks.

Wearing a covering will be compulsory in all shops and supermarkets in England from Friday, July 24.

Anyone who fails to could faceafineofupto£100,the Government has announced.

Retail staff, under 11s and people with certain medical conditions will be exempt. An employee at Woods Designer Clothing in

Maidstone High Street thinks this will help prevent a second wave.

Conor O’Neil said: “It’s something that needs to be done. You can always say, in hindsight, it could have been done earlier but the Government are just doing it so we don’t have to go into lockdown again.”

However, he thinks staff not having to cover their face “won’t sit too well” with visitors.

Russell Jones from Cycles UK in Lower Stone Street is pleased he won’t have to wear a mask as the shop can get “quite warm and stuffy”, but does think it’s the right decision if it means it will benefit the economy and keep shops open.