... and keep using them on buses and at the shops

LEICESTER’S mayor has called on bus operators to continue to require passengers to wear face masks despite the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions from today.

Sir Peter Soulsby issued an open letter addressing “the significant level of uncertainty and public discontent” regarding the guidance on face mask wearing.

He urged all Leicester bus operators to “be responsible”.

Companies including Arriva, First Leicester and Centrebus have all issued guidance in agreement with the mayor’s request.

The city’s director of public health, Professor Ivan Browne, urged people to the continue wearing face coverings in places where people will come into close contact and where social distancing is impossible.

In his letter, Sir Peter said: “No doubt you will have picked up on the significant level of uncertainty and public discontent has been generated in recent days regarding the lack of absolute clarity around the continued use of face coverings in certain spaces or venues.

“As the city continues to gradually reopen and recover, many of our citizens, especially those more vulnerable, will once again want to use buses for work or other reasons.

“Of course, I’m sure many people will make the right decision about the use of face coverings on buses and I’m sure you understand fully the need for people to feel safe and confident in services when travelling.

“However, for the avoidance of any doubt, to be absolutely certain about the position in Leicester and to ensure the safety of all our citizens, I would strongly encourage all bus operators to require all passengers to wear face coverings as a condition of service.

“I am aware colleagues across up and down the country and across the political divide have made the same request.

“As responsible operators, I’m certain you will make the right decision and people will once again be able to use your services with confidence and with the assurance that their safety is paramount.”

First Leicester said: “Following changes to government guidance, there are no restrictions to bus capacity from Monday but we are recommending passengers wear a face covering (if they can), especially when services are busy.”

Arriva said: “It is expected that passengers wear a face covering in busy spaces.”

■Highcross said shoppers are encouraged to wear masks, but advice may differ from shop to shop.

A spokesman for the Leicester shopping centre said: “As we have throughout the pandemic, we have followed government guidance.

“The latest guidance recommends that face masks continue to be worn in enclosed spaces and we would encourage customers and colleagues to wear face coverings for their own benefit and for the safety of others, unless exempt.

“Each retailer will also have their own individual measures as well which may differ from brand to brand.”

“The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.

“In order to do this, we have implemented a range of safety measures to keep everyone safe.

“Wearing face masks is now an individual decision and some colleagues and customers may choose to do so.

“We would encourage you to wear a face mask for your own benefit and for the safety of others as the government has.

“In respect to Test and Trace, currently government guidance states that test and trace will be place throughout autumn and winter so applicable businesses will have this in place.”

■Bistro Live planning to reopen on a high, Pages 20&21.