Shoppers cover up for new face mask regulations in Skegness

The Standard joined up with Judy Chapman, secretary the Skegness area Business Chamber, to see the reaction of customers and shop owners

"Looking around a lot of people are wearing face masks, there seems to be a high level of compliance," said Judy. "We've been in a number of shops and people are getting on with it and shop keepers and finding most people are happy to do so.

"I think it's going to be a success story - I think more people will be out in the town centre and if it makes people feel more comfortable, then it's a good thing."

We found Anne Lowndes of R Loownes children's clothes and toy store in Lumley Road, reading the through the 13-page government legislation.

"The first person who came in fantastic the next two didn't have them on and we had to advise them," said Anne.

"it was fine, they put them on, no problem.

"The lady did say she had some underlying issues so she didn't have to put one on, but that was fine.

"But how many people are going to say they have underlying issues?

"I did print off the 13-page government guidelines and there are quite a few grey areas.

"I don't understand who is going to police fining people £100 if they refuse to wear face masks.

"Who is going to fine them - it does say if they pay within 14-days it goes down to £50 - but what is the government trying to say to people?

"It's a shame we didn't do this when we first opened and everyone had to wear a mask. I think a lot of people would have been a lot happier about it."

Michelle Webb, of Northampton, was in Lowndes with her son, Logan, who was wearing a fun mask. "We're doing OK," said Michelle. "I think it's a good idea and we do feel safer.

"Logan's got lots of different one's including Spider man. It's about trying to make it fun for them.

John Kirk, of Kirk's Butchers in the High Street, said he wouldn't turn any customers away from his open-fronted shop if they were not wearing masks.

"Our staff were not worried about the new legislation - we talked about it and they know what to do," he said.

"The staff have been given PPE if they choose to wear it - they don't have to.

"We are not challenging any customers when they come in because we don't know if they have any pre-existing conditions.

"As for the police enforcing the legislation - they have better things to do."

Tina Plavins of Facial Attractions was faced with that very dilemma when two customers walked in without masks.

One told the Standard that they were at work and in a hurry - but the situation wasn't an easy one for Tina, who said most customers had happily complied with the new regulations.

"It's not easy - some people like to wear masks, some don't. who's to say yes or no," she said.

"I am worried this might hit business. I've been in a shop this morning and it's not comfortable wearing them - you can't seem to concentrate on what you are doing. You are just thinking about your mask all the time."

"We are one side of the counter and they are the other so if there is no-one else in the shop

At Skegness Aquarium, the new legislation means customers have to wear face masks in the gift shop.

"We have tried to inform customers as much as possible on social media, outside and in our reception area," said Ben White, safety officer for Teen Spirit who own the attraction..

"We've introduced all the guidelines to keep customers and staff safe since we re-opened, with hand sanitisers and screens

"The compliance of customers has been absolutely fantastic.. They are adhering to the new regulations especially in the retail area. You couldn't ask anything more of customers."

Earlier, police urged people to wear face coverings and comply with new rules.

Chief Inspector Andy Morrice, who is Silver Commander for Lincolnshire Police’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, explained: “We are still awaiting full details and legislation in relation to mandatory face coverings and what the police role in that will be, but we do know that here in Lincolnshire our approach will remain the same as it has always been. This is to engage, explain, and encourage. If that does not prove effective in convincing people to comply with legislation then, as a last resort, we will enforce and issues fines.

“So far the majority of people in this county have been following government guidance and we have no reason to suggest they will act otherwise now. We’re grateful for that and hope it continues with this new set of guidelines.

“I’d ask people to remember that personal responsibility is key here. Face coverings are mandatory to try and protect against Coronavirus and prevent the spread of it. You may feel fine but the person doing their shopping opposite you may not, or may not be showing symptoms at that point in time; if they aren’t wearing a face covering they could easily spread the virus to you and to others. All of these measures are in place to try and get people back to some kind of normality and avoid a return to the full lockdown we saw in March.

“We have been working with local businesses to ensure they can help people to comply with the legislation. This involves a number of measures including, but not limited to, clear signage at store entrances, dedicated members of staff managing queues and checking customers have face coverings, and managing those who might refuse to wear a face covering.

“We have been very clear that while we have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices we are relying on retailers to do all they can to make sure customers in their stores adhere to legislation before we are asked to step in. If you happen to be out shopping and have any questions or concerns relating to face coverings please raise them with a member of staff in the store before calling police.”

Government guidance on face coverings can be found via this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-ownDATA ON FINES ISSUED BY POLICE DURING LOCKDOWN WELCOMED

A national examination of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by police forces under the Coronavirus (Covid-19) regulations has shown a low overall rate in fines issued across England and Wales with young men receiving the biggest proportion.

In Lincolnshire, the report states that a total of 219 FPNs were have been issued between March 27 and May 25, which are broken down as below:

ACC Kerrin Wilson explained what the figures mean for the county:

“Throughout the Covid lockdown period and to date Lincolnshire have always followed the Engage, Encourage, Explain ethos before any Enforcement activity has been taken," he said.

"For those we have issued tickets to I have ensured the integrity of every single one of these tickets through a centralised scrutiny of them in addition to local management oversight. This ensured consistency and appropriateness of all.

"The total number of tickets issued were relatively low, only 219 out of a population of 750,000 in a 2 month period. Lincolnshire has a population made up of 97.6% White and 2.4% Black, Asian (and Chinese), Mixed (B.A.M.E) and Other.

" From this only 19 FPNs were issued to B.A.M.E. individuals and of those 12 were visiting the county from other force areas.

“I welcome this report and I would urge those who are interested to really look at the comparison data rates and understand the whole picture.

"For us it makes sure we continue to examine ourselves and our practices so that we are aware of disproportionality, and the need to avoid any complacency on the part of individual officers or the Force.”

To find out more about the data visit https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/independent-analysis-of-coronavirus-fines-published