Yesterday the British government announced that face-masks would be made mandatory in all shops from Friday the 24th of July. The Health Secretary Matt Hancock advised shops to call the police if members of the refuse to wear face masks after the ban is put into place. This has come following severe criticism and scepticism that the rules could be impossible to enforce.
The Health Secretary yesterday sent out the tough message after weeks of indecisiveness by ministers. Only on Sunday, Michael Gove took to the Andrew Marr show to state that he did not believe masks in shops to be the preferred route for the government. 48 hours later, masks were confirmed as mandatory from the 24th of July.
Mr Hancock told MP’s yesterday : “Should an individual without an exemption refuse to wear a face covering, a shop can refuse them entry and can call the police if people refuse to comply. The police have formal enforcement powers and can issue a fine”. This fine will be £100 but will be halved if it is paid within 14 days.
Many shop owners are deeply concerned with this announcement. Jools Cardozo, who runs Farringdon and Forbes Home Interiors in Leamington has said: “Our high streets are near deserted, businesses are being forced to close and now the government want to tighten that last nail in the coffin by imposing that all shoppers wear face masks! How utterly ludicrous. I am all for the safety of my staff and customers but imposing this on a random future date screams of desperation”.
In addition to this Moshe Schmahl, who works at Nat Jacobs Fishmongers in north London gave practical concerns and said: “There is essential communication going back and forth between the monger and the customer. With face masks on, it is extremely difficult to understand the other person. Let’s hope the government will provide some clarifications and exemptions”.
In addition to this Ken Marsh who is the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation has criticised the move saying, “We can’t have police outside every shop”.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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