'Wear a mask or stay in the house' - Echo 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, 62% of the 1,303 people who took part in the poll said it would.

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 one will offer some degree of protection for those who come into close contact with you.

Here’s how you reacted on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Anne Veitch: “Masks should be compulsory as there are still too many people not keeping to social distancing in supermarkets and shops.”

Gemma Errington: “Should have been done ages ago. It's just people being purposefully obtuse - those that mistake their stubbornness for power.

"If you think wearing a mask is uncomfortable then you really don’t want to get Covid. Grow up, wear a mask or stay in the house.

“My autistic 14-year-old hates them but she still wears one because she understands why it’s necessary. I'm sure grown adults can do the same.”

Alan Wharton: “Much of this so-called lockdown just does not make any sense. Go on a protest or go to an overcrowded beach and its okay not to wear a mask. Buy a loaf of bread without a mask and it's a £100 fine!”

Dean Marshall: Just shows what a mess the Government’s approach has been! How can it be safe to open pubs and restaurants, then say we need masks when we go to Asda? We either need to wear masks in public or we don’t!”

Shaun Sayers: “The lack of face mask-wearing in shops so far has not led to mass infections. There’s no harm in getting people into the habit now, but the claim it’s come ‘too late’ is just stupid, as general community infection patently has not yet been increasing.”

Marie Stevens: “I will [wear a mask], and already do. It’s a simple thing I can do to help protect others. Yes, it’s not the nicest thing but it doesn’t harm me and could stop someone else catching Covid if I pick it up at work (where I also wear a mask at all times) without realising.”

Beverley Mitchell: “Yes absolutely, the virus is still there and people are back to normal as if nothing has happened. I am still terrified and very aware of the virus. I always wear my mask.”

Catherine Sherman: “No one enjoys wearing them, they are hot, stuffy and a bit suffocating but try to wear them even if you have a chest problem even for just some of the time you're in the shop if you can. I feel it is definitely worthwhile.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

Thank you.