Mandatory masks are a sensible step

THE decision to introduce the mandatory wearing of masks in shops and other indoor settings is sensible. It provides clarity.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has previously been sceptical about making the wearing of masks obligatory but extending such a requirement to shops makes sense.

It is extremely worrying that the rate of Covid-19 has been rising in Wales.

This is undoubtedly attributable to the decline in social distancing, which is apparent in most situations, from walking in the street to the school run, shopping and going into pubs.

It is understandable that people are weary of restrictions in their lives after months of lockdown, but it is essential we all do what we can to stop the virus spreading.

Mr Drakeford’s earlier doubts about compulsory mask-wearing derived from a concern it would result in people dropping their guard in other respects such as social distancing and effective handwashing, and making assumptions that wearing a mask would in itself make them immune to catching the virus.

That certainly isn’t the case – but the fact is that, to a large extent, many people have ceased to follow elementary social distancing precautions.

Being obliged to wear a mask indoors will provide greater protection than being left to choose whether to wear one or not.

In recent weeks we have seen how the infection rate has gone up in parts of Wales, leading to the unfortunate situation where more drastic lockdown measures have had to be reintroduced in Caerphilly.

It’s important that enforcement action is taken against premises that do not comply with the law and that penalties which deter others from doing so are imposed. If that doesn’t happen, further outbreaks can occur.

Some have pointed to the discrepancy between infection rates and hospitalisations and deaths.

It’s true that the number of deaths from Covid-19 has reduced considerably since the peak, but the danger is that the rate will rise again as winter arrives.

While evidence points to younger people being infected, the worry is that they will pass on the virus to older relatives, who are less resilient in resisting it.

The pandemic will be with us until a safe and reliable vaccine is available. We need to maintain our sense of caution.