A HEALTH boss has urged people to comply with the new rule for wearing a face covering in shops, which comes into force tomorrow.
Alistair Hill, director of public health for Brighton and Hove City Council, said wearing a face covering was “a small price to pay” for safeguarding each other from coronavirus.
Shoppers must wear a mask, snood or some form of face covering in all stores and supermarkets. Anyone who does not comply could risk a fine of up to £100 by police.
Shop workers are expected to encourage customers to wear a face covering and can refuse entry.
Although staff are not required to wear a face covering by law, employers should follow guidelines for reducing contact between employees.
Earlier this week, Aldi urged customers to wear a face covering while Sainsbury’s said staff “would not be challenging customers not wearing a mask”, as some people are exempt.
READ MORE: Sainsbury's will not monitor face masks in UK stores
This includes children under the age of 11, anyone unable to put on a mask because of a disability, physical or mental illness, or anyone providing assistance to someone through lip reading.
Mr Hill has urged residents to respect others.
He said: “I hope everyone in Brighton and Hove who can wear a face covering will do so but there are some members of our communities who are exempt from wearing them and we should respect this and avoid making people uncomfortable.
“Abuse and unkindness are not what we want to see in our city. This measure is about supporting each other to stay safe.
“Please be mindful and respectful of people’s individual circumstances and remember that some people are less able to wear face coverings.”
Mr Hill also warned residents to use face coverings safely. He said: “Face masks don’t prevent Covid-19 but they are an important tool in reducing the spread of the disease while allowing us to go about our daily lives more safely.
“Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting the face covering on, taking it off and after its use and storage.
“Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them. Clean any surfaces the face covering has also come into contact with.”
Mr Hill recommended face coverings are washed between each use.
The health boss is encouraging residents to think of the environment and buy reusable masks.
He said: “During the pandemic the upsurge in the use of face masks has led to an alarming rise in them being discarded on the streets, parks and beaches instead of being put in a bin.
“This not only poses a risk in terms of spreading the infection but contributes hugely to single-use waste. If you’re using single-use personal protective equipment, please dispose of it responsibly.
"Reuseable face masks are sold widely and – even with basic sewing skills – are relatively easy and cheap to make.
"Please help keep our city Covid-secure and wear a face covering if you can.”
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