‘The majority are wearing masks now’
As facemasks return after several months with minimal restrictions, Kit Roberts went to Hanley bus station to see if people had started to adhere to the new directives on public transport and in shops and other enclosed spaces
FACEMASKS are now mandatory on public transport and in shops and other enclosed public spaces.
In light of their return after several months with minimal restrictions, The Sentinel went to Hanley Bus Station to see if people had started abiding by the new rules.
Prior to the rules, facemasks were recommended but not compulsory, which meant that many people who may have otherwise worn them stopped.
Here’s what we found when we spoke to you:
Lynn Hancock, aged 69, who is retired, from Stoke, said she never stopped wearing masks.
“I kept mine on in shops and buses, it’s just a way of life now for me,” she said.
“I think that is how it’s going to to be. They do it in Japan.
“They said it was up to us, so it’s my choice. It’s never gone away has it?
“You’ve got to in shops and buses and you have got to when you go to the doctor and hairdressers.”
Shane Doughty, aged 41, who is unemployed, has a health condition that prevents him from wearing a mask.
“I’ve got a bad chest so I can’t wear one. I’ve got a problem with my lungs,” he said. “Some people wear masks some don’t.
“With the booster as well now you’ve got to have the jab again.
“They told me I have to wait. I’m 40 so I really should have had one.
“It’s a concern.”
Marc Tudor, aged 62, works in healthcare, and said he has been the only person on a bus with a mask on before.
“At the moment it’s necessary. I’ve worn a mask ever since covid started, I’ve always worn it on buses and in shops,” he said.
“I don’t think it was irresponsible to take away the mandate. I think people had had enough of it.
“Since the last lockdown I was the only person on the bus wearing a mask. The majority of people are wearing masks now.”
Allah Ditta, 73, who is retired, from Shelton, agrees that wearing masks in public can help to slow the spread.
“I wore mine in shops, it’s better that way,” he said. He added that he thought when people don’t wear masks, that’s “their own thinking, but wearing it is better, I think it’s the better thinking.”