(London) After long hesitation, the British government has decided to make wearing a mask compulsory in stores in England from 24 July to avoid a resumption of the epidemic of new coronavirus, measure hailed Tuesday as beneficial but late.
Posted on 14 July 2020 at 9 o'clock57
France Media Agency
“As we reopen stores, we must ensure the safety of our traders,” said Health Minister Matt Hancock before Parliament, “Wearing a mask will be mandatory in stores and supermarkets.”
According to the Minister, “the cashiers and the security agents suffered disproportionately from the health crisis”, these professions posting a mortality of 57 at 75% higher than the rest of the population.
“There is evidence that wearing a mask gives people more confidence to go back to shopping,” he also said, as the government tries to revive a struggling British economy. by the coronavirus crisis, which has already caused more than 44 500 dead in the country .
Since 15 June, wearing a mask was already compulsory in public transport, but only recommended in enclosed public spaces. The measure will take effect in ten days, “to give people a little time to prepare,” Environment Minister George Eustice told Sky News.
It will not apply to pubs, restaurants or supermarket employees. Offenders will risk up to 100 pounds fine (170 $ CAN), as is already the case the case in public transport.
The British Doctors' Association stressed that the requirement to wear the mask in stores was “long overdue” and should be applied immediately.
The mayor of London, Labor Sadiq Khan, hailed on the BBC this “flip-flop” of the Conservative government, stressing that “this small measure, combined with others, could make a huge difference”.
The professional trade union praised the “clarity” of this obligation, after “contradictory messages” which made it “really difficult for people to understand what they should do”.
On the streets of the capital, Londoners are divided: “It could be a problem for people with asthma, but as long as these exceptions are taken into account, I have no problem with that,” said the l 'AFP David Phillips, 53 years old.
Less optimistic, Jessica Harvey thinks that “some people will cheat and try to remove them once they enter the stores”. “I don't think that's the right thing to do,” said AFP’s 23 photographer, “Honestly I think it's too early to reopen the stores.”
According to a study by the Academy of Medical Sciences, a second wave of new coronavirus this winter could make up to 120 000 died in UK hospitals in “a reasonable worst case scenario” without adequate preparation.
