Do you feel safe in the shops?
MANY FEEL SHOPPERS ARE GETTING LAX IN FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS
WITH the city having been in some sort of lockdown since March, and still in the highest Tier 3 restrictions, we asked people on our Facebook site whether they feel safe doing the most mundance of things – grocery shopping.
While many believed they were doing enough to protect themselves from coronavirus while in supermarkets, others believed things needed to change.
Tony Edwards, who was among the first of the 188 people to comment on the question, said he did not feel safe in supermarkets because of other people.
He said: “Not at all. Not only are people not wearing masks, but many are also not keeping a distance.
“If stores are frightened to have their staff at the entrances to stop people not wearing masks, get bouncers at the doors to stop people entering unless they prove they are exempt.”
Janie Salt also said she did not feel safe – and believed things were getting worse.
She said: “People have stopped social distancing and sanitising trolley and hands.”
Supermarket employee Ruth German was also worried.
She said: “I work for a supermarket and I’ve seen so many school age children (not observing rules) it made me wonder, and others that just allow their child to run around the place.
“And don’t even get me started on masks! So many with ‘hidden disability’ and the pretty sunflower lanyard. It’s just an excuse to not wear a mask.”
Keziah Xana Caldwell also said she had noticed people not observing the guidelines. She said: “I struggled this week. Far too many people and nowhere near two metres apart.
“I patiently wait my turn only for others to barge past, lean over other customers. It is rude.”
Howver, others believed the steps they were taking were keeping them safe from infection.
Rachael Snashall said: “Yes, I feel safe. I sanitise trolley and hands, wear my mask and keep my distance from other shoppers.
“I also now use a gadget that scans my shopping so don’t have to wait my turn at a checkout.”
Allison Cubitt had a similar response: “It’s true others are not doing their job, but I do feel safe because I take charge of my own masking, social distancing and using hand sanitiser.
“I also scrub down my groceries once I get home.”
Spanish ex-pat Barrie Wakeford thought England could learn something from the authorities where he now lives.
He said: “I feel safe here in Spain as unless you have an official letter excusing you from wearing a mask, you will be told to leave the store.”
Several people said they avoided supermarkets at busy times and managed to feel safe when they did visit, while others said they stuck to their local convenience store to minimise the danger.
Some people said they had almost no concerns at all.
Janice Tarjanyi said: “Yes, I feel perfectly safe. The stores do everything they can.
“You have to get on with life. The worst thing is the compulsory wearing of masks.”
Graham Taberer said: “Yes – wear a mask and get on with it. We have got to live with it.”