Public support for face masks in shops

‘BETTER to be safe than sorry’ says Herald readers amid the intensifying debate over making the wearing face masks compulsory in public places.

There are growing calls for the wearing of face masks to be made compulsory in shops here.

From today (Monday), face coverings or masks must be worn in all shops, retail settings and shopping centres in the Republic.

Face coverings in shops are already compulsory in Scotland and the regulation is coming into effect in England on July 24.

The North is expected to follow suit in the near future as reports suggest that

Health Minister Robin Swann is set to bring a proposal to the executive to make face coverings mandatory, while Chief Medical officer Michael McBride has supported the move.

When asked how they felt about wearing face masks in public, majority of Herald Facebook users say they will wear as mask if it protects them and other people around them.

Heather Sewing Cunnah said she had no problem wearing a mask as it could help protect the vulnerable. “Wearing a mask allows the vulnerable go out with the knowledge that they are a bit safer if you have a mask on too!”

Rosemary Allen also agreed with wearing a mask ‘if it will keep people safe.’

Karen Wilson added, “I have no problem with this. I’ve been wearing my face mask since lockdown.”

Gerard Jimmy Keaveney also commented in agreement with wearing a mask saying, “If people have any sense of social responsibility they will wear a mask.

“Your mask protects others, their mask protects you.”

However, some other people added that the mask makes them feel uncomfortable, and they would prefer not to have to wear them.

With the announcement expected in the coming days, a group of Tyrone volunteers have gathered together as part of the NI big community sew, and have been sewing face masks for the vulnerable in the community.

The Omagh Hub of the Big Community Sew has made over 340 fabric face masks, and some of the masks were delivered to those in need over the weekend.