Shopkeeper's mask plea as coronavirus cases soar in Sunderland

Minhas Mohammed Ilyas, who works at Humbledon Convenience Store is urging customers to wear a mask inside the shop as required under government guidelines after “80 per cent of customers are ignoring the rule.”

The shopkeeper, who’s shop is on Ettrick Grove said: “I serve 200 to 300 people every day in my shop and 80 per cent don’t wear a mask.

"They either apologise and say they have forgot or give me an excuse, an apology is no good to me.

"I don’t think people understand that the masks not only protect yourself but also others and many don’t see the value of that.

"Customers have argued back and said they won’t return to the shop if they have to wear a mask.

"I think this is why the number of Covid-19 cases are rising in Sunderland because people aren’t abiding by the guidance.”

It was made mandatory to wear a face mask in all UK shops on Friday, July 24 with exemptions of children under the age of 11, people with certain disabilities, and those who have breathing disabilities.

Mr Ilyas, who is studying for a degree in Public Health at Sunderland University added: “People in Sunderland are not taking it very seriously, I wear a mask so why shouldn’t my customers.

"I don’t think people understand why they are so important, some customers aren’t bothered.

"I try explaining why everyone should be wearing them but I often get abuse in return.

Sunderland is currently under tighter Covid-19 restrictions after an increase of cases spread across the city and on Tuesday September 22 Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced more measures, including the need to wear masks in pubs and restaurants unless people are sitting down to eat.

"I think the government should be doing more to enforce the rule because people are not listening.

"Everyone should be taking the mask rule a lot more seriously, especially as we go into a second lockdown because things are not going to get any better if people don’t start abiding by guidance.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.