[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.

@Deliaskis

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.

We won't

As a retail manager I can tell you retail will be keen to see the back of masks. It's been absolutely ridiculous

I spoke to one restaurant owner who will keep his staff in masks and ask customers to wear them when moving around the restaurant.

I posted this in another thread but think this fit better here.

So I would imagine then that guidelines for businesses will still include encouraging masks and social distancing?

Even if they can’t legally enforce these things?

Won’t this just put staff at risk of abuse by those expecting to wake up at on the 19th with their ‘freedom’ back?

@LucilleTheVampireBat

"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".

That's not a phrase, it's a word. I'm sorry you have a problem with a word.

I honestly don't know if I will carry on wearing them - certainly won't in the office, that's been a real PITA - but I hope we reach a position down the line where if someone wears one, no one gives a shit (like in Asia).

By down the line I mean in years to come.

They're buggering around with semantics, aren't they. 'Expected' is a very loose word, in many ways. Expected by whom? The government, the law, society generally?

It's too vague. It feels like they're trying to make it sound like a legal requirement, even though it won't be.

It's too vague. It feels like they're trying to make it sound like a legal requirement, even though it won't be.

Yep, we've been here before!

I won't be wearing one in shops as people have a choice to go in a shop but I will wear one in the dentist or other medical waiting room and hairdressers if the hairdresser is wearing one herself, I don't use public transport

I won't be wearing one in shops as people have a choice to go in a shop
How do people have a choice to go in a shop? They need food and other essential items! If anything the hairdresser is the place that’s optional.

Could we take the same tack with other unpopular-with-some rules? Like speed limits? So people are expected to follow them, but just guidance not law. Then people who don't feel concerned are free to drive at whatever speed they want, and those who feat this also endangers them can stay at home if they're scared.

What was that announcement if not announcing what would happen on 19th?

@PRabbit

I won't be wearing one in shops as people have a choice to go in a shop How do people have a choice to go in a shop? They need food and other essential items! If anything the hairdresser is the place that’s optional.

I mainly buy online, no need to go into shops, they can buy online if they don't like it.

Christ, these clowns can't make decisions at all, can they? Spineless bastards.

Wearing a mask is a really easy and hassle free way to protect people around you. Just tell people to make this tiny fucking bit of effort ffs. So bored of weak politicians.

Also people can stay out of my face in a shop, in fact if I don't have a mask on they are probably more likely to stay out of my face

The way I see it, either masks are important and will save lives, or they're not. This virus is either still a major problem, or it's not.

If it's not, by all means drop restrictions, and let's live normally again.

But if it IS a problem, then fuck me, get a fucking backbone and leave the rules in place. Yes, people need normality, but that will come. What they need RIGHT now is open, honest and scientific governance to best see us to the end of this shit show.

@DoYouRememberTheInnMiranda

Could we take the same tack with other unpopular-with-some rules? Like speed limits? So people are expected to follow them, but just guidance not law. Then people who don't feel concerned are free to drive at whatever speed they want, and those who feat this also endangers them can stay at home if they're scared.

Failing to comply with speed limits is punishable by law.

@LindaEllen

The way I see it, either masks are important and will save lives, or they're not. This virus is either still a major problem, or it's not.

If it's not, by all means drop restrictions, and let's live normally again.

But if it IS a problem, then fuck me, get a fucking backbone and leave the rules in place. Yes, people need normality, but that will come. What they need RIGHT now is open, honest and scientific governance to best see us to the end of this shit show.

Exactly.

And that needs strong decision making, which Johnson has repeatedly demonstrated he's incapable of. He'd be laughable if this was funny. Spineless, useless, self serving bastard.

I can imagine many feel like that, but I do remember reading a story last week about an older lady who owned a small shop in a coastal area who was terrified about large numbers coming into her shop with no masks. I just meant that people who own businesses who feel strongly that they want to keep or lose masks can do so. Yes some might lose business amongst those who disagree with their stance, but this could very well work in both directions... some might also gain customers by virtue of their decision on this.

I’m happy to still wear a mask!

Argh! Was meant to quote @gardeninggirl68 .

How can employers comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) obligation to provide appropriate protective equipment and safe working environment impact if they allow non masked shoppers into their premises? Smoking was banned indoors to protect bar staff and co- workers so there is precedent. If you catch Covid can you sue your employer?

Good grief, their lack of conviction is beyond a joke. Removing the legal requirement and saying “people can choose” is at least a clear position. As is keeping the legal requirement.
Removing the legal requirement but saying “we still expect you to do it” is such a cop out and an attempt to avoid criticism from people on both sides. If they think masks are still required, mandate them. But they don’t want to be seen to be making a u-turn, or “ruining freedom day”. If they don’t think masks are required, don’t weirdly say that it’s still “expected” as if we’re all kids in an assembly being lectured about behaviour.
Completely pathetic.

Although, I do think it will be really interesting to see what % of people wear masks, just as a gauge of public opinion.

How can nightclubs reopen with an expectation to wear masks, though? Also gigs - hundreds of people crushed into sweaty venues but if they're wearing masks that's okay? None of it makes sense.

fair enough. it's a small price to pay.