People threaten to boycott Waterstones over its latest face mask update

Waterstones has announced that customers will still be encouraged to wear face masks while shopping in their stores after remaining restrictions lift next week on July 19th.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has said that from next Monday, wearing a face mask will no longer be a legal obligation in England, including on public transport or in shops. However, he said that he ‘expects and recommends that people wear a face-covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don’t normally meet.’

Following the announcement, Waterstones shared an update saying given its ‘enclosed browsing environment,’ customers should still wear face masks and observe social distancing after restrictions are lifted.

In a tweet, the book chain explained: “Following the lift of restrictions on 19 July across England, we will observe new government guidance. Given our enclosed browsing environment, we encourage our customers to wear face masks and observe social distancing, respecting the safety of staff and fellow book lovers.”

Despite receiving a flurry of support from a number of social media users, Waterstones’ announcement was met by many furious customers threatening a full boycott over their decision. 

One social media user wrote: “Bad decision, you will lose a lot of customers,” while another quipped: “I make a point of buying books at my local @Waterstones rather than ordering on Amazon because I want bookstores to thrive, but if I go into your store and a member of staff asks me to wear a mask, you will lose my business forever.”

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One aggravated customer even wrote: “If I am asked by a member of your staff to wear a face muzzle I will walk out of your store and never buy from you again.”

The book shops’ announcement has come just days after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called for the use of face masks to continue after the 19th, particularly on public transport. 

He said: “Public opinion is very squarely behind people continuing to wear masks – on public transport, particularly – but also possibly in essential retail. We will be strongly encouraging people to wear face coverings because, you know, it’s not all about your own choice.”

All remaining Covid-19 restrictions are set to be lifted this coming Monday, July 19th.