Face coverings now compulsory when shopping in Northern Ireland

By Q Radio news

From today in Northern Ireland, the wearing of face coverings in enclosed spaces such as shops is compulsory.

Retailers have urged the public to respect the new rules, which were brought forward by the Executive.

People who don't comply could be hit with a £60 fine - including customers in shops.

But staff in shops, children under 13 and those with an illness or medical condition are exempt from the mandatory rule.

The wearing of face masks is to become mandatory in Northern Ireland from Monday. All pupils will return to school full-time in Northern Ireland from the beginning of term...and indoor pubs which do not serve food will NOT be allowed to reopen on Monday. pic.twitter.com/7ABRa4I8PK

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 6, 2020

The announcement came on Thursday, along with the news that all schools will see pupils return full-time from the start of term, and that indoor pubs that serve alcohol only - known as wet pubs - would not reopen as planned.

On the issue of face coverings, critics have questioned how the requirement will be enforced with the department of health confirming it's a matter for the police. 

However, Aodhan Connolly from the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium says we all have a part to play.  

The Executive originally tried to introduce the wearing of face coverings as a voluntary idea to try and increase uptake, but brought the mandatory wearing forward to this week. 

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts says compliance will rest with individual customers.

He's appealing to all of us to show common sense and think of others.