‘Don’t lose identity underneath a mask’

AFTER weeks of dithering, the Government has decided to make the wearing of face coverings in shops mandatory from July 24.

This is probably one of the smarter decisions they have made since the start of the pandemic.

Those countries where mask wearing is customary at times such as these have been most successful at controlling the virus.

There are, though, a few things that concern me – one of which is the health and environmental costs of using throwaway masks.

Too often, discarded masks are to be found scattered about on pavements, creating a health risk for street cleaners.

It is also far from clear whether such masks are fully biodegradable. Some parts, such as the elastic ear straps, most likely aren’t, creating possible pollution if they are either burnt or put in landfill.

Enforcement of the new rules may also be problematic.

Shop staff already face having to deal with abusive customers. Policing the use of face coverings may make an already bad situation worse.

Any messaging around masks has to highlight the need to treat the usually underpaid people working in the retail industry with the respect we ourselves would wish to receive.

Wearing a face covering to go to the shops is going to be strange, but human creativity will likely take the edge off the experience.

It may even provide a new means for self-expression. I have opted for an Arab style scarf and, as a lifelong Stoke City supporter it is, obviously, a red and white one.

Covering our faces in shops and on public transport is a new and, for some, uncomfortable experience.

It doesn’t though mean having to surrender our identity.

ADAM COLCLOUGH PENKHULL