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Face masks are to be made compulsory in shops: Spalding, Holbeach and Long Sutton retailers give their reactions




From next Friday, July 24, people will have to wear face coverings when they shop.

But as the news was announced this morning, shop owners said they were awaiting clarification from the Government on what that meant for staff.

Darren Sutton, chair of Spalding Town Retailers' Association, who also manages Bookmark and Charmed Interiors, said: "Does the retailer have to wear them as well?

Darren Sutton, chair of Spalding Town Retailers' Association. (File photo).
Darren Sutton, chair of Spalding Town Retailers' Association. (File photo).

"I can see it is not so bad for the customers because you are only going to wear them for a short time but it will be four, five, six, seven hours a day (for staff); but I suppose it is the same for nurses.

"If the Government wants us to do it to stop the spread, we will do it."

Yvonne Porter-Smith, who runs craft and fabric store Fabric Fae in High Street, Holbeach, makes and sells face masks, with all the money going to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance charity.

Yvonne Porter-Smith of Fabric Fae in Holbeach. (File photo).
Yvonne Porter-Smith of Fabric Fae in Holbeach. (File photo).

She said: "My personal view is it is perhaps a good idea. I do not like being in one all day but you have to say 'what do I like more, my health or comfort?' People are wondering why (the new rule) is so late in the day.

"At the moment, in my shop you have to ring the doorbell and I will put a mask on when a customer comes in. When people come in to the shop they always say do you want me to put a mask on or they have one on."

Nathaniel Woodward, of Woodward's Confection in Market Place, Long Sutton, also wanted a clearer message from the Government.

"Is it two metres apart or one metre? Is it face masks, or shields?" he asked.

Nathaniel Woodward of Woodward Confectionary in Long Sutton. (File photo).
Nathaniel Woodward of Woodward Confectionary in Long Sutton. (File photo).

His shop has a 'one household in and out' rule and provides hand sanitiser, gloves and masks.

He also asked if wearing a mask would encourage people to touch their face more.

The Federation of Small Businesses, which has a branch in Lincolnshire, has responded to the announcement from the Government that face coverings are to be made mandatory in shops.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled that the wearing of face masks for shoppers is compulsory from July 24.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled that the wearing of face masks for shoppers is compulsory from July 24.

National Chair Mike Cherry, said: “All small firms that are planning to or have already opened back up again have the health and safety of their employees as well as customers at the very forefront of their minds

“Businesses are already introducing screens, cleaning more regularly and engaging in a contact-free way where possible, and many are already making use of face masks for staff.

“Face masks and coverings can provide a certain level of protection to people you come into close contact with, which could help to stop the spread of the disease and to help get back to business as soon as possible.

"As mandatory face coverings are introduced, small firms know that they have a part to play in the nation’s recovery both physically and financially, and I’m sure this will be welcomed by them.

“Of course, we know that face masks cannot be worn by everyone, and wearing them can pose significant challenges for certain groups, such as those who are deaf and reliant on lip reading. We also must be careful that this does not become a trigger for abuse against shop owners and their employees, even though the majority of customers have so far proved accepting of social distancing measures. Understanding and empathy should be important watchwords for all if this does happen.

“But at a time when we want to encourage footfall to increase in our town centres and high streets, councils and government should help small firms either by delivering masks or by offering funding for the purchase of masks so that customers aren’t turned away.

“While some shoppers may still be nervous, small firms will be hoping that these new measures will inject new confidence into customers and get them back into town centres and high streets across the nation."

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