Hastings reacts to wearing a mask in shops - here’s your poll results

More than 1,600 people responded to the poll on Facebook, which asked people for their views on whether wearing masks in shops should be compulsory or not.

Just a few hours later, the government announced it will indeed soon be mandatory to wear face masks in shops. People will have to do so from July 24, or face a £100 fine.

Of the 1,600 people who voted in our Facebook poll, 929 people (58 per cent) selected ‘yes, face masks should be mandatory’.

Meanwhile, 721 people said ‘no, wearing masks should be a choice’.

People took to the comments to share their views about the matter.

Commenting below, Emily Bridger said: “I wear a mask every time I’m in a shop. At best it helps potentially saves lives and the NHS, at worst I get a bit hot with fabric on my face. Seems like an obvious choice.”

Diane Leigh said: “Wearing a mask will do more help for the NHS I think than the clapping.”

And Julie Ann Vinsome wrote: “I am wearing a face covering in shops - it might not stop me getting the virus but it makes me feel brave enough to go out again.”

The facts about wearing a mask - and myths debunked

Wearing a mask in public is considered to lower the risk of the wearer spreading coronavirus.

Evidence suggests wearing a face covering does not protect you, so social distancing should still be followed.

Though concerns have been spread online about masks causing people to breathe in more CO2, there is no evidence for this.

Another claim is that wearing a mask could limit a person’s supply of oxygen. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, “The prolonged use of medical masks when properly worn, does not cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency.”

The WHO says people should not wear a mask while exercising. People with respiratory problems who may struggle to breathe are also exempt from having to wear one.

Face masks will soon be mandatory in shops - here’s when the new rules come in

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