Just months ago wearing a face mask would have been surreal, but these days they’re the new normal.
For many, it would be strange to consider visiting a supermarket without a face covering now.
While we are just getting used to the practice, things could be about to change all over again.
It’s likely that face mask rules in supermarkets such as Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco may need to be reviewed, and the news could be met with a strange mixture of fear, relief and general confusion, reports MyLondon.
A report by the House of Lords has warned new rules on customers wearing face masks in stores have put supermarket staff at risk and may have to be reviewed.
Since face masks became mandatory in supermarkets and shops on July 24, staff have been asked to enforce the rules, with them being able to call the police if needed.
This, however, has created problems for staff, reports The Grocer.
The new law has led to a surge in violence and aggressive behaviour towards staff, with Co-op recording 990 incidents of anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse towards staff in one week.
Supermarket staff themselves don't have to wear face coverings.
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The Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee report says: "The committee recognises that there are practical reasons for this difference in requirement to wear a face covering, (uncomfortable to wear for long periods on duty for example), but suggests it can reasonably be anticipated that difficulties may arise where staff in shops, who are not wearing face coverings, ask a member of the public to put one on."
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The committee concludes: “The government should keep the implementation and effectiveness of this policy and any sensitivities arising from it under close scrutiny.”
Lord Hodgson, chair of the committee, added: “When we discussed this issue, the committee had real concerns that staff in shops asking customers to wear a face covering could find themselves in a potentially difficult position if customers challenge them in return on why they aren’t wearing face coverings themselves.
“We recognise the reasons for these different requirements but note that the government must continue to monitor how effectively this policy can be implemented.”
