THE REACTION from members of the public being suddenly made to wear face coverings in shops has been mixed.

In the comments on our Facebook page readers were quick to point out flaws with the plans.

Demi Tewnion said: "Why only in shops and supermarkets? Why wait until the 24th July if it's so life-saving? Why can we go anywhere else without one, when we have been shopping in supermarkets for weeks now because it's been the only thing we are allowed to do and we have not been required to wear one?"

Jennie Smart said: "Who's going to police this? I think its ridiculous. After four months of lockdown and re-opening pubs and restaurants. Only now were being told that we've got to wear a mask."

JoJo Henman said: "We needed masks from day one, but they already knew this. My family and I have not left the house since march without a face mask on. Common sense told us to use one."

Malvern woman, Elaine Bellis, 83, has been sewing scrubs and masks for the NHS since lockdown first began. She said: "I think wearing a mask is hugely important, I am making one for everybody I know, free of charge.

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"They are going like hot cakes! It is so very important to protect yourselves and other people. I see young people wondering around without a mask on and wonder are they just taking the virus home to their grandmothers?

"As more and more people start to venture out again, face masks are the only thing that can protect us from a second wave. I don't leave the house without mine."

Nineteen year old Tyler Blight also agreed it makes sense to wear a mask out in public. He said: "If it stops the virus spreading and keeps people safe then why wouldn't you do it? I am more than happy to wear a mask as I work in a pub so I am more than used to it now."

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Stephen Wilcox, 68, also agreed he would have no objection to wearing a mask into a shop. He said: "I feel like we are better off wearing them when we are around other people. We keep our distance anyway but it is good to have that extra safety barrier in place. Although, I can't understand why they would leave it until now to make it compulsory. It would have made much more sense to enforce it at the beginning.

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