Compulsory face masks in shops ‘absurd’ says East Antrim MP

Mr Wilson, who had previously warned against any move to make in-store face coverings mandatory, was commenting after a Stormont compromise over the issue.

Health Minister Robin Swann has urged the public to make the wearing of face coverings a normal part of going to the shops.

He said that while he recognises the issue of face coverings divides opinion in wider society, the medical and scientific advice is clear – wearing face coverings in retail settings will help protect people.

Mr Swann said: “It should not be a surprise to anyone that at times there are different views, both in wider society and around the Executive table, and that compromises are often required. However, there is a strong consensus that face coverings should be worn in shops and other relevant indoor settings. The key issue here is how best this can be achieved.

“I remain unconvinced that the necessary level of compliance will be achieved without some element of enforcement.”

In an update today (Wednesday), the minister said wearing face coverings in shops will show consideration to people who have been shielding.

“While shielding comes to a halt this Friday, we all have a duty to support our fellow citizens and help them resume everyday activities. That certainly includes wearing face coverings in shops and other indoor settings. Consider it an act of solidarity with your friends and neighbours.”

Also commenting ahead of shielding being paused from July 31, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: ”The rest of us must provide all the support we can – not least through wearing face coverings when appropriate.”

The Executive has agreed to introduce the power to enforce a mandatory position of face coverings from August 20.

In a statement today, Mr Wilson said with the number of patients in hospital suffering from Covid-19 now in single figures and the number of new infections throughout July not totalling more than 20 a day, “it is absurd” for politicians to force the public into wearing face masks.

The DUP representative added: “Throughout the whole month of July, when face masks were not mandatory in shops, there were five deaths related to, not caused by, Covid-19. This fall in the Covid-related death rate and drop in new infections happened at a time when retail was open for business and the wearing of face masks was not enforced.

“With no dramatic rise in deaths or new infections, retailers have proven that they can put in place adequate safety measures to protect both shoppers and staff.”

Last week, a former Larne mayor challenged Mr Wilson on his opposition to mandatory mask wearing.

Tommy Robinson said: “I am totally convinced of the need to wear masks in shops and other enclosed public spaces and I was dismayed when I saw an article by Mr Wilson decrying the need for it.”

Meanwhile, the decision to adopt an initial voluntary approach on the issue has been welcomed by Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI and Simon Hamilton, chief executive of Belfast Chamber.

In a joint statement, they said: “We appreciate that ministers have listened to concerns expressed from both of our organisations and have decided to adopt an initial voluntary approach to strongly recommend the wearing of face coverings in shops.

“Today’s decision will allow retailers time to prepare properly and also let the Executive develop guidance, better inform everyone of the benefits of wearing face coverings and educate us all on how to use coverings correctly.

“Retail NI and Belfast Chamber will work with the Executive to reinforce this important message to increase the numbers of consumers wearing face coverings as they shop.”

The use of face coverings on public transport (unless someone is in an exempt group) is mandatory in Northern Ireland. In England and Scotland, wearing a face covering is compulsory in shops.

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