Unmasking retail reality - what shops and shoppers think of masks

Those who fail to cover their faces in shops will face a fine of up to £100 — in line with rules brought in on public transport in mid-June.

But some retailers in Wiltshire say they are uncomfortable at the idea that shop workers could be made to confront shoppers not wearing masks, and fear the already slowing trade will be cut further as mask wearing may put off even more customers.

Nicola Clyde runs The Cobbler’s Bench in Melksham: “A lot of people have said ‘I’ve come out quick this week so I don’t have to wear a mask’. So I definitely think it will affect us.”

Belinda Taylor of Creative Cork in Devizes said: “When we first reopened lots were wearing masks, but it has dropped off. It is massively going to affect trade as people will become cautious about coming in. I am going to lose business if they don’t have a mask. I am not going to insist that people wear one for that reason.”

The shoppers we spoke to in Devizes and Melksham seem mixed in their views, with some saying they will embrace the move. Others scoffed that it will be impossible to police if they choose not to.

“I don’t think a shop owner will be able to detain anyone over this,” said one. “I can’t see the police fining people. Ludicrous!” said another.

Ministers were telling the public not to wear masks as recently as April, claiming they were ineffective and could create shortages for health workers, while the latest evidence suggests they are effective at stopping the spread of Covid-19. So the ambivalence is unsurprising.

In the hair dressers in Marlborough last week, a young stylist said nervously to me: “I’m sorry, would you mind wearing a mask?” I told her there was no need to apologise. “I didn’t know you had to wear a mask in the salon,” I admitted. “You don’t,” she said. “Just that we’ve had some clients complaining that other people aren’t wearing them and they don’t feel safe…”

This was a common theme amongst shoppers. Trudy Brown from Beanacre had popped in to Melksham - with her mask on. “The only problem is there are so many people who don’t wear them. So I am protecting them, but they aren’t protecting me.”

Masks suppress human interaction, but their ability to suppress Covid is less clear. Who would want them to be a part of our ‘normal’ world?

It was this aspect that Lavington School pupils, the Keatley sisters Laura,11, and Ella,14, found most difficult. “I can’t see someone’s face or their expressions, so it is hard to know what they are thinking,” said Laura.

Barbara McIntyre was sitting outside the Cookshop in Devizes, she is elderly, and was wearing a mask. “We have used face masks since lockdown because of our age and I think it helps because people are taking it seriously and more likely to keep their distance. I think people are generally considerate and have accepted things and are being sensible about it.”

Elizabeth and Wallace Cleverly came from Enford on the bus to Devizes for a day out, wearing masks they had made themselves. “It makes me feel more confident wearing a mask, in case someone in a shop sneezes or something,” said Elizabeth.

Katie Offer from Marlborough works at a dental practice and wears masks all day for work. “It doesn’t really bother me,” she said. “But it it is so much busier out now so its a good idea. |I think most people think it is for everyone’s benefit.”