[England] People ‘expected’ to wear face masks in enclosed public spaces after 19 July

[DumplingsAndStew]

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/face-mask-nadhim-zahawi-covid-b1882018.html

New guidance will be issued by the government telling the public they are “expected” to wearface coveringsin indoor enclosed places, the vaccines minister has said.

Nadhim Zahawialso said he was “confident” the government would ease almost all legal restrictions on 19 July — despite surging cases of the virus and concerns expressed by scientists.

Speaking onSky News, he said: “It’s important we remain cautious and careful. The guidelines that we’ll set out tomorrow will demonstrate that, including guidelines that people are expected to wear a mask in indoor enclosed spaces, and of course remain vigilant.”

While the guidance will not be legally binding, his remarks appear to be a shift in stance fromBoris Johnson’s comments just last week, whosaid people “might choose” to follow the guidancein areas where cases are on the rise and in enclosed spaces, such as public transport at peak hours.

Sounds sensible to me

@ssd

Sounds sensible to me

I think so, too, and hope this will alleviate some of the hassle people will receive if they continue wearing masks.

I know a lot of people will stop wearing them as its no longer a legal requirement, but the more who continue for now, the better.

But not legally enforceable, only encouraged. So they know that masks should be worn but they are too spineless to do what is needed.

I know a lot of people will stop wearing them as its no longer a legal requirement, but the more who continue for now, the better

But those that will be wearing them are more likely to need others to wear them.

@Whichjab

But not legally enforceable, only encouraged. So they know that masks should be worn but they are too spineless to do what is needed.

Pretty much. They expect too much backlash from those who don't want to wear one.

@Whichjab

I know a lot of people will stop wearing them as its no longer a legal requirement, but the more who continue for now, the better

But those that will be wearing them are more likely to need others to wear them.

Yup

Lots of people (those who choose not to wear them, not those who can't) who show the lack of empathy for others.

But not legally enforceable, only encouraged. So they know that masks should be worn but they are too spineless to do what is needed

Exactly this.

I'd like TFL/the Mayor of London to make it a condition of travel on the tube, or maybe a bylaw. Idk if they can/will though.

But not legally enforceable, only encouraged. So they know that masks should be worn but they are too spineless to do what is needed.
Exactly this. Has our country ever had a more spineless PM?

@Whichjab

But not legally enforceable, only encouraged. So they know that masks should be worn but they are too spineless to do what is needed.

Or they are too spineless to admit that masks are largely pointless and merely act as Covid performance theatre

Well I will not be continuing to wear mine

Work in retail and I'm done with them I'm afraid. Everyone I work with feels the same.

How many times have we heard selfish people shouting “it’s only guidance it’s not the law”? People won’t wear masks if it’s not legally required.

Or they are too spineless to admit that masks are largely pointless and merely act as Covid performance theatre

@AlecTrevelyan006 "Covid performance theatre" is a ridiculous phrase and I look forward to never hearing that again.

I won't be wearing one and feel glad I get to exercise this personal choice. I'm not convinced by the science behind masks at all and feel in most cases they are a placebo at best and most people I see don't even have their nose and mouth covered. The majority of mask wearers don't wash them, reuse them and are constantly touching them/removing them.

@LilyPond2

But not legally enforceable, only encouraged. So they know that masks should be worn but they are too spineless to do what is needed. Exactly this. Has our country ever had a more spineless PM?

A jellyfish has more spine than the PM, but we knew that at the last election, so we have got what the majority wanted.

I wish masks were properly enforced on the tube. On Friday at least a fifth of a very crowded carriage didn't have them on, including a woman coughing, and a mother and two grown-up daughters shouting a conversation to each other.

I'm vaccinated, but don't fancy a big viral load from being in close contact from people who are probably unvaccinated (judging by how selfishly they were acting).

@Toesies

Or they are too spineless to admit that masks are largely pointless and merely act as Covid performance theatre

@AlecTrevelyan006 "Covid performance theatre" is a ridiculous phrase and I look forward to never hearing that again.

Agreed!

Very sensible given the high case rate.

This govt simply can't make up its mind. I would be glad of mandatory masks on the Tube as DH and DS will take it daily. ( I know this is not a popular view) I hope Sadiq wakes up to this.

@Wizzbangfizz

I won't be wearing one and feel glad I get to exercise this personal choice. I'm not convinced by the science behind masks at all and feel in most cases they are a placebo at best and most people I see don't even have their nose and mouth covered. The majority of mask wearers don't wash them, reuse them and are constantly touching them/removing them.

How much of the science have you read? Was it recently published, peer-reviewed science? Did you fully understand it?

Also curious about your polling of the majority mask wearers. How did you go about this? How else would you know that most people don't wash their masks/reuse them?

"Covid performance theatre" is a ridiculous phrase and I look forward to never hearing that again

Nothing ridiculous about it. It perfectly describes these ridiculous measures.
If you want to talk about phrases to never hear again then I'd suggest "selfish".

I also think it gives individual businesses the freedom to make their own requests of their customers....I would imagine many shops for example will keep asking customers to wear masks.

It will help with hospitality though.... sitting eating a meal and laughing and drinking with no mask then having to put one on for the 11 seconds it takes to walk to the bathroom is a bit silly and everybody knows it.

This is just must of the government's blame game, tell people they don't have to do something, then blame them when the case rate goes up (even more).

What they'd be better to do, is keep the mandate for as long as it is needed, but communicate the reasons behind the mandate in an accessible but authoritative way. Not some crappy three word slogan, but some balanced, rational reasoned explanation.

That rapid turn around has nothing to do with various polls showing that between 50% (Express) and 70% (lbc) of people polled want face mask wearing to continue.....

• more, not must!

@Unescorted

That rapid turn around has nothing to do with various polls showing that between 50% (Express) and 70% (lbc) of people polled want face mask wearing to continue.....

Oh no...

Apparently both the mayors of London and Manchester have the power to mandate mask wearing on public transport and intend to do so. Good.