Wearing a mask while you shop is ‘a matter of respect’
CUSTOMERS REACT AS ICELAND SAYS IT WON’T MAKE STAFF ENFORCE RULES
SHOPPERS at Iceland in Bulwell have given their thoughts after the company said it would not make its staff police the Government’s new face mask rules.
From yesterday, face coverings became compulsory in England in shops and settings such as banks, post offices, hairdressers, and on public transport.
It comes after the first recorded cases of the Omicron variant of Covid were recorded in the UK – one of which was in Nottingham.
All travellers returning to the UK must take a PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Richard Walker, managing director of the frozen food chain, told the Daily Mail: “We fully support the reintroduction of compulsory face masks in shops, however, we won’t be asking our store colleagues to police it.
“Our store teams, alongside all retail workers, have shown heroic efforts in terms of ensuring safety for customers and building back consumer confidence and it’s crucial that we stay focused on the long-term recovery of the high street.
“We need to continue to encourage people to shop in stores if they feel comfortable, and I’m hopeful that the latest guidelines won’t discourage customers from doing so.” Visitors to the store in Main Street in Bulwell town centre gave their views on the decision.
Jean Millington, 84, who is retired and from Bulwell, said: “I always wear mine - unless I forget. Then I would be happy to wear one that’s given to me. It definitely helps protect people.” Steve Hall, 55, a builder who lives in the town, disagreed, however, saying he feels Iceland’s approach is the right one.
“I try to keep my distance from other people and everything like that, but whether I wear a mask or not should be down to me,” he said. “I’ve got no problem with people wearing them. “But it’s been a choice for a while now and I don’t think it’s been a problem.” Meanwhile another shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Post: “It’s a matter of respect, isn’t it? Even if you don’t like wearing one, it’s not hard to is it? Unless you’ve got an exemption, I don’t think you’ve got an excuse.
“Wear a mask and help others out. People are elderly, they are vulnerable and they still need to do their shopping!”
I always wear mine unless I forget. Then I would be happy to wear one that’s given to me.
Jean Millington