HAS SHOPS COVER UP COME TOO LATE?

NOTTINGHAM shoppers, businesses and experts have been reacting to face coverings becoming mandatory in shops – but some feel that it’s too late.

As of July 24, you must have your nose and mouth covered when you go shopping or risk a £100 fine – reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.

It will be up to police to dish out penalties and not business owners or shop workers, although they are being asked to encourage customers to comply.

The Government has been reluctant to enforce the wearing of face coverings, and its guidance states they do not protect the wearer but may protect others if people are infected but have not yet developed symptoms.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) says incorrect use of coverings such as putting them on incorrectly, touching the face more than normal and reusing dirty ones could actually increase the spread of infection.

Face coverings are not the same as face masks.

The Government has said coverings can be made from scarves, bandanas or other fabric items, as long as they cover the mouth and nose.

Simon Griffiths works in the Five Leaves Bookshop in Nottingham’s Long Row and welcomed the move but warned “it feels a bit late.”

“Most of our customers have been wearing a mask when they come in,” he said

“It’s good news I think and will encourage more shoppers out. But I do think it’s come a bit late. It’s hard to know how it will be enforced. We are a small shop really.”

Mary Trease, sales director from family wine merchants Weavers, in Castle Gate, told the Post: “We are a small shop and have a screen up as people come in.

“So people wearing coverings will be good. The main priority for me is the safety of the staff. If we get Covid here that’s us shut for two weeks.

“We need clarity on how it will be enforced and managed. Staff will struggle wearing them for the whole time they are working.”

Shopper Helen Harris, 44, of Arnold, added: “It’s a good move. I wear a mask anyway but everyone doing it if they can is key, or there’s no point really.

From July 24 it will be mandatory for people to cover their mouth and nose when they enter a shop

There now must be clear and detailed guidance from the Government

Paddy Lillis

“It may be too late though. It should have been brought in earlier to help.

“People have not been social distancing strictly enough, I feel.”

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “Anything that has the potential to make people feel safer and allows us to continue reopening the economy – which is crucial for the country right now – is a step in

the right direction.

“Businesses are desperate for an injection of positivity and, if face coverings enable more restrictions to be lifted, the new legislation from the Government will be welcomed.

“However, shops and indoor businesses still require updated guidance on how best to enforce the wearing of face coverings in a consistent manner so they can continue their operations successfully.”

Nikki Rolls, Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) chief executive, welcomed the move. She said: “We anticipated that this would happen, particularly as social distancing was being relaxed.

“We welcome this because it’s another way of helping to keep Mansfield town centre safe.

“Businesses and staff, and visitors and shoppers need to feel safe and this is one way of helping them be safe.”

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops, but warned it can only be effective alongside existing social distancing and hygiene procedures.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, added: “It is right to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory in shops, but we must recognise that expert advice says it is an additional protection on top of existing safety measures.

“There now must be clear and detailed guidance from the Government and we urge them to work with Usdaw and retail employers to draw that up.

“Usdaw is urging employers to stay with the established two-metre social distancing, using screens at tills and limiting the number of shoppers in store at any one time.

“Staff on tills who are behind screens should not be required to wear a face covering.

“We welcome the indication that shop workers will not be expected to enforce the wearing of face coverings.

“They are already dealing with more abuse than normal and this could be another flashpoint.”