Sainsbury’s won’t ‘challenge customers’ who aren’t wearing a face mask in-store

Sainsbury’s has issued its latest statement regarding wearing a mask inside stores from Friday. 

From July 24th, it is compulsory to wear a face mask or covering in shops in England, and failure to comply can leave individuals with a fine of up to £100. 

Supermarket staff are not required to comply with the new rules but customers are required to use coverings.

Sainsbury’s took to Twitter to ‘clear up’ its stance on customers wearing face masks in-store from Friday. 

Sainsbury’s wrote on Twitter: “We won’t be challenging customers without a mask when they enter or when they are in store since they may have a reason not to wear a mask.”

Many Twitter users are impressed and the tweet has been retweeted and liked dozens of times by many supportive Sainsbury’s customers.

One user wrote: “Thank you Sainsburys! You will continue to receive my customer” another wrote: “Well done Sainsburys! Very pleased to see this!” 

However other users expressed concerns that face-mask wearing is mandatory and should be encouraged by shops.

One user said: ‘Is this a joke, aren’t they mandatory from 24th. So no customer has to wear one if they don’t want to, and no one will challenge that?” 

Another wrote: “definitely lost a loyal customer there – i’m sure you’re well aware (and possibly even encouraging it) people will be abusing that ‘rule’ to avoid wearing a mask and so shopping in your stores is clearly not safe.”

Face coverings protect others more than the wearer and can reduce the spread of coronavirus by limiting the spread of droplets from coughs, sneezes or speaking.

Some research suggests that face masks can reduce the transmission rate of coronavirus from 17.4% to just 3.1%

Most of the research on face masks concludes that the more people wear face masks the greater the impact will be on reducing transmission rates.

Face masks should therefore fully cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably. 

Individuals should continue to practise good hand hygiene, avoid touching the face and the mask while wearing. 

Face mask-wearing is compulsory on transport and service can be denied if someone refused to wear a face mask. You can also be faced with fines of up to £100. 

Shops and supermarkets are also expected to encourage compliance with the law the government has created and are also able to refuse entry. 

The government is ‘strongly encouraging’ the public to wear a face-covering in ‘other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult’. 

There are some exemptions including by young children, if you’re travelling with someone who requires lip-reading or to eat and drink. Shop assistants may also ask you to remove your mask for the purpose of age identification. Other exemptions can be seen here.