Still important to wear masks despite ‘Freedom Day’

COMMUNITY leaders have revealed they plan to continue wearing face masks in indoor public spaces now rules have been relaxed.

From Monday, it was no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces, such as shops, community centres and places of worship. The restrictions had been brought in last year to control the spread of Covid-19.

Coverings over the nose and mouth can help to reduce the spread of the virus in droplets caused by sneezing, coughing or speaking.

While the law requiring face coverings in enclosed public places has been in place, police have had had enforcement powers, including the ability to issue fines, to those who do not comply and are not exempt from the rules.

Some public transport operators are set to continue asking passengers to wear a face covering unless they are exempt – and businesses will be able to set their own rules for customers from Monday.

Mark Deaville, deputy leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, is also landlord of The Anchor Inn at Tean. He hopes residents will continue being considerate to one another when rules are relaxed.

He said: “I’m a strong supporter of people doing the right thing and taking their own personal responsibility. My personal feeling is very hopeful it will probably continue. By and large, people are very responsible and look after each other.

“I will be wearing a mask when I go in a supermarket and when I’m on public transport out of courtesy and respect for other people.

“My customers have been superb and respected each other. They have enjoyed the fact they can come back into the pub and they have all been very careful, even during busy times during Euro 2020.”

Leek councillor Charlotte Atkins, who leads the county council’s opposition group, plans to continue wearing a mask in enclosed public spaces.

She said: “I sit on the Covid-19 board in Staffordshire and, at our last meeting, people were asking what people felt about the relaxation. My comment was one person freed is another person trapped, in the sense that we wear masks not so much to protect ourselves but other people.

“I will certainly carry on wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, but I don’t intend to wear them outside.

“One of the problems is some people don’t have a choice if they are working in a shop or on public transport. They don’t have the choice not to be with people who are not wearing masks as it is part of their job and they have to carry on.

“We have to protect people who don’t have the choice or who are mask-exempt because of breathing difficulties.”