Harborough shoppers urged to follow the rules over face coverings

People are being asked to fall into line and wear face coverings in shops throughout Harborough from this Friday (July 24).

Cllr Phil Knowles said it was vital to cover up in an attempt to save lives and combat the spread of Covid-19.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has made it mandatory to put on face coverings in stores and supermarkets from Friday.

Shoppers who refuse to co-operate face being fined £100.

Cllr Knowles told the Harborough Mail: “I am fully behind this move.

“It is very important for shoppers to wear a mask or a face covering.

“And I would urge people to start following this practice now – the sooner the better.”

The long-term Harborough health campaigner said tens of thousands of people have already died in the UK after being struck down by the coronavirus.

“Make no mistake – this is a killer virus.

“We are not out of the woods yet.

“We have to be mindful of the advice of the health professionals,” said Cllr Knowles, who leads the Liberal Democrat group on Harborough council.

“This latest development is a vital step forward.

“It will also help build confidence and bring more people back on to the High Street and back into our shops.

“We seriously need to regenerate struggling local businesses and boost our local economy after many weeks of the devastating lockdown.

“I am also calling on the Government to clarify their policies fighting Covid-19 and make it absolutely crystal clear what they are doing.”

Mr Hancock said the Government’s acting as grim statistics show “sales assistants, cashiers and security guards have suffered disproportionately in this crisis”.

“The death rate of sales and retail assistants is 75 per cent higher among men and 60 per cent higher among women than in the general population.

“So as we restore shopping we must keep our shopkeepers safe,” the Health Secretary told the House of Commons.

“There is also evidence that face coverings increase confidence in people to shop.”

Cllr Knowles stressed: “We can never forget the sheer number of people who have already lost their lives to this virus.

“We must do everything we can to protect ourselves and others.

“So I would implore everyone across Harborough – please make sure that you wear a face covering, keep your social distance and wash your hands.”

He said face masks and coverings are already being widely worn across Europe.

“I talk regularly to business people in Italy in Zoom meetings and they all wear masks.

“We must do all we can to beat this crisis,” insisted Cllr Knowles.

“Covering your face can only be positive.

“Perhaps there have to be special adaptations for people who suffer claustrophobia, for example, and children.

“But do not abuse staff who tell you to cover your face and go out and shop with a smile on your face in these extremely difficult times.”