Don’t forget your mask!

By Sophie Morello, Associate Partner

REMINDER: from tomorrow we will all have to wear face coverings or masks when we go to the shops or grab a coffee-to-go, otherwise we risk a fine of up to £100. Much like when plastic bags were banned, we’ll be scrambling around for our mask and cursing every time we forget and have to fork out for a new one or go home! The Government says the science has spoken in favour of them, so are people glad for this development and will masks give people more confidence to shop and spend to boost the economy? It’s a divisive issue and won’t necessarily get us out spending more. Here are some of the views we’ve gathered from our own team:

“There were many confusing messages at the beginning of lockdown about whether or not to wear a face mask and what type was the best. But the science suggests that they do help prevent rather than eliminate the spread of the virus. You can’t tell if someone is asymptomatic. So, anything that reduces the risk and slows the rate of infection has to be a good thing.” Guy Smith, Partner

“The guidelines of mask wearing certainly seem strange especially now when the risk of Covid is less than it ever has been. Why now and not four months ago? We should be more concerned with what goes into our mouth rather than what goes over it. You don’t beat a virus, but you can support the health of the host and I’d like more focus on the role that nourishing food and minerals play in maintaining a healthy immune system. It doesn’t make sense not to remain open-minded and question this, when we were actively discouraged to wear one in the early months. If you look at the science behind their use they appear to offer no protection from an airborne virus due to the small size of the virus particles and the large size of the holes on even the best masks - the same research also shows that they can cause a reduction of oxygen intake.  I would not want to put my own health at risk if there was no benefit in wearing one and feel we should all make decisions appropriate to our needs, being respectful, at all times. If my shopping behaviour needs to flex then let that be so.” Laura Leggetter, Managing Partner

“As someone whom is hard of hearing, these new rules present a few challenges. Whilst sub-conscious, for deaf people the majority of knowledge in conversation is absorbed through lipreading. In public situations with background noise, coupled by the lack of the visual aid provided by lips because of the masks, following a conversation becomes even more challenging. Whilst in hospital getting an x-ray last month, the doctor, with a strong Portuguese accent, had to repeat my diagnosis no less than 5 times. Don’t get me wrong, this certainly provided a great deal of laughter and banter - you have got to make light of the situation. However, this conversation merry-go-round is a regular occurrence in public, and is frustrating to all parties. As a result, I am likely to shop online rather than in store when possible.” Jamie Williams, Senior Executive

“I’m very happy with these measures. I went to Paris on Eurostar last weekend and felt confident on the train as everyone had one on. All staff in shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels in Paris were wearing masks all the time, although not compulsory for guests/shoppers - I think it is now though. It does make building a rapport tricky but you soon get over that. Everyone carried masks – tied round their wrists mainly. I think it’s an essential move, will generate confidence and I have no time for those who don’t want to wear them.” Perry Miller, Partner

“If social distancing remains in place, I will have more confidence to shop, but I certainly will not be going back to the old days of browsing as a social activity, and will only shop for items that are required. I’m more likely to spend online now instead. I am also concerned that some people will abide by the rules and others will ignore them and the repercussions of this.  It will be important for people to focus on what they are doing and not to judge others.” Sally Walton, Partner

“My view is that they should be mandatory for all at all times when they are outside of their homes from public transport to shops to food outlets.  The categorisation of them in different places is causing some confusion and just makes it difficult to impose.  However, culturally I am not sure Brits are cut out for wearing masks in public like Asians in the Far East have been doing for some years now.”  Nina Dowell, Chief Operating Officer

“I want to help protect others of course, so support the move if it really helps, but I’ll be a reluctant mask wearer. As I usually have two small children in tow, I think I’ll be minimising my shopping excursions from now on and trying to do more online. My 18-month-old has already broken down in tears seeing someone masked in a shoe shop, so I imagine seeing everyone around them covered, plus their mother, might be intimidating. I know they’d get used to it in time, but still, I’d rather avoid it. Plus, as a glasses wearer I have steam issues to contend with!” Sophie Morello, Associate Partner