'Seems to be working North of the border' - Northumberland Gazette readers have their say on change in face covering rules

The question on our Facebook page came ahead of the Government’s announcement that their use would become compulsory in shops in England from Friday, July 24.

When asked whether the change would make them feel safer, 66% of the 717 people polled via Facebook said it would – with 33% answering no.

Current evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you from coronavirus.

However, if you are infected but are not showing any symptoms, wearing a face-covering will offer some degree of protection for those you come in close contact with.

Here's how you reacted on the Northumberland Gazette Facebook page:

Stuart Fuller-Shapcott: “Seems to be working north of the border. Most folk wearing some form of face covering makes sense. Clearly some people can't wear a face covering, but could perhaps wear a face shield.”

David Bland: “I personally would refrain or not go into shops all that much if face coverings/masks were mandatory.”

Mark Baker: “To all the people who ‘don’t like’ or ‘don’t feel comfortable’ wearing a face mask so you can shop. Spare a thought for the emergency service workers and many others who spend their day wearing far more restrictive PPE so that they can save lives. If you have to put up with the very mild inconvenience of wearing a light covering for a short time – suck it up.”

Lauren Jean McKirdy: “People forget to social distance when wearing a mask, and yes the science supports it and if everyone were to correctly wear a mask it would help but people need to remember to social distance as well.

"It is an additional measure, it does not replace social distancing.”

Tom Jardine: “Very little to no social distancing in supermarkets, so if it’s made mandatory, it’s welcomed.”

Jan L'Argent: “As a lifelong asthmatic I can't bear anything that covers my face.”

Jen Brown: “I have COPD and although it is very uncomfortable, I feel happier if people are covered. I just limit the time needing to wear one.”

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