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Why is it important to wear a face covering?

25th July 2020

Over a week ago; the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, declared that from the July 24 – everyone will be required to wear face coverings when browsing shops. While the government have been advising the general public to wear them in enclosed public spaces since May; this new announcement marks the instatement of mandatory legislation regarding face masks.

Although facial coverings will be compulsory in stores – if you are dining inside a pub, cafe or restaurant; it is simply impractical to wear a mask; therefore not required. However, when in store ordering/picking up takeaway food from an eatery; you are obligated to wear a face covering. 

Children under 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt from the new rule. This include visitors with a physical or mental illness, impairment, disability or those that find putting on, wearing or removing a face covering severely distressing. 

“Face masks will give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops”

Matt Hancock

Do Face Coverings Work?

World Health Organisation (WHO) advice says non-medical face coverings should be worn in public, where social distancing is not possible. Cloth face coverings are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people, when the wearer coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control. 

Based on what we know about COVID-19; it spreads via respiratory droplets – with emerging evidence of airborne transmission. While this is less of a problem outside – masks are considered essential in enclosed areas, as they reduce the dispersion of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. 

Not only are masks fantastic at preventing the transmission of the virus, they are also an effective method of protection for the wearer. With the right materials; a cloth mask can insulate you from 50% of airborne micro-particles. Although this isn’t quite full protection; when combined with the 1-metre-plus rule and thorough hand hygiene – your chances of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 significantly diminish. 

Wearing a covering safely

While it is important to use them in conjunction with other measures; there’s no denying how critical masks are in the fight against coronavirus. Before wearing a mask, it is important that you understand the following: 

  • Remember to wash your hands before putting your mask on. 
  • Inspect the mask and do not use if it is damaged or dirty. 
  • Make sure your mouth, nose and chin are covered by the mask.
  • Adjust the mask to your face – leaving no gaps on the sides. 
  • Avoid touching the mask while wearing it. 
  • Change your mask once it gets dirty or wet. 
  • Wash your hands before taking off the mask. 
  • Touch only the straps behind the head or ears when removing – avoid touching the front of the mask. As you take off the covering, pull it away from your face. 
  • Wash your hands after taking off any mask. 
  • If you need to reuse a fabric mask – store it in a clean, resealable bag. 
  • Wash masks in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water, at least once a day. 
  • Make sure that you have your own mask and do not share it with others.  

Where to buy a face covering

At Garden Square, we have a variety of shops currently selling facial coverings. Boots, Mr Bransons, Home Bargains, Superdrug and Poundland have a plethora of effective protective masks in a variety of different styles and sizes; all at excellent prices! 

It is also important to remember that a face covering isn’t specifically a mask; it is anything that sufficiently covers a person’s mouth and nose to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It can include a face shield, scarf or bandana that ties behind the back of your head for a snug fit – although these methods have varying levels of effectivity. 

Stay Safe. Protect Others.

Garden Square encourages all shoppers to wear a face covering when visiting, if possible. This, combined with our thorough preventative measures, will ensure the safety of all visitors to our shopping centre. The responsibility for wearing a face covering sits with the individual and therefore, we ask shoppers to be mindful of their own and other people’s safety.

We thank you all for your cooperation.