Face masks: too much to ask? – Helen Martin

FROM the end of this week in Scotland it becomes a mandatory rule, not an option, to wear face coverings in shops, supermarkets and indoor areas. The more lockdown eases, the more necessary it is for that and social distancing to be adhered to.

If Nicola Sturgeon can wear a face mask then you can too (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell /PA Wire)

The reality is that very few people wear face coverings or masks in supermarkets. Outdoor gatherings on beaches and parks rarely comply with social distancing.

And, as has always been the case since lockdown ease began, there are no police, stewards or employees to enforce or deal with people who don’t obey these rules and instead prefer to return to normality.

Changing from advice to mandate doesn’t seem to make any difference with the majority. Face coverings were not commonly worn even when the virus was peaking.

Now many seem convinced coronavirus is dying off, despite Nicola Sturgeon and her scientists saying we are simply containing it, or “eliminating” rather than “eradicating” it. The predictions are that it may surge again in winter, when most viruses boom and flu jabs are essential. We have to hope that doesn’t happen.

From November to March in past years, operations have been cancelled as the beds and wards were filled with the elderly infected. That added to a resurge of Covid-19 would be a double disaster.

So far, vaccines are not expected until next year. Is it really too much to ask to remain cautious and wear face coverings?

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