Mask mandate returns in England, but unions argue it should have been with us all along

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The government has decided to re-introduce mandatory mask wearing in English stores from tomorrow (30th November).

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Even before the announcement was made some critics were arguing that compulsory mask wearing should never have been stopped in England in July.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all kept compulsory mask rules for indoor settings.

Paddy Lillis, general secretary of shopworkers union Usdaw was among the critics.

He said: There is no reason why, when lifting other covid restrictions in England, the Government could not have kept the requirement to wear a face covering in busy public places, like shops and public transport.

“This flip-flopping on basic and sensible covid measures and the different rules across the UK create confusion, reduce compliance and can lead to conflict.”

Lillis added that shop staff are “deeply worried” about catching covid and that the emergence of the Omicron variant had added further concern.

He said: “Many shopworkers are at a greater risk of catching the virus and taking it home to their families.

“Yet they have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the country supplied with essentials. These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”

The new rules on mask wearing in shops will take effect from 4am on 30 November.

Health secretary Sajid Javid has said that the new measures were necessary but that people should not worry unnecessarily.

“People should continue with their plans as normal for Christmas. I think it is going to be a great Christmas,” he said.