New mask-wearing rules come into effect in Bucks, Beds and Herts today
People will be required to wear masks in most public, indoor spaces like cinemas, theatres, hairdressers and places of worship
Last updated 10th Dec 2021
As per the Covid-19 plan B announced by the Prime Minister, mask-wearing will become mandatory for staff and customers in various public, indoor venues such as cinemas, takeaways and places of worship, from today (10 December).
It comes as concerns grow over the rapid spread of Covid-19 caused by the new Omicron strain of the virus.
Our reporter Monty McPhee went out to speak to some people in Hitchin in Hertfordshire and got a mixed response.
One told us: "I don't mind that, little measures to protect people are good."
Another wasn't so sure: "Do they work? I don't know. Do they work? Who knows. Where's the evidence.
"I guess you're protecting other people is what it for, I would presume.
"There might be evidence to suggest you take it off when you sit down, I still don't understand that. I don't think anyone understands that."
This hospitality manager told us masks can make his job more difficult: "In everywhere but hospitality it's absolutely valid.
"In hospitality when people start having a drink it's got back to the point of myself as a manager and my team around me having to enforce more rules, which is obviously pulling down on people's enjoyment.
"It feels like we've got to be policing our venues instead of actually doing our job."
The mask mandate has been welcomed by Unite the Union, although Mark Robinson, their Eastern regional coordinator believes it shouldn't have been removed in the first place. He also says that the rules are inconsistent, given masks must be worn in most indoor settings, but not in pubs and restaurants.
"Even when the restrictions were lifted, we were saying please wear your mask to protect yourselves. Now, it needs to be enforced vigorously and robustly.
"Unfortunately the half-hearted attempt by the government to try and reintroduce masks is going to make it more confusing for people and a lot of people will simply ignore it, but we do encourage people please wear your masks."
Reports of an alleged party that is said to have taken place in December last year at Number 10, Downing Street complicates the matter even further, Mr Robinson says.
"People, generally, are very concerned about what's going on. But when they see what the Government has been up to, in its in its own backyard in terms of having parties and completely disregarding the rules, it does make people challenge them and say,' Why should we have to do all this when the people who are telling us to do all these things aren't following their own rules?'"
New rules will kick in through the course of next week, including a guidance recommending work-from-home (Monday, 13 December) and the requirement of an NHS Covid Pass or negative lateral flow test to enter night-clubs or other venues where large crowds may gather (Wednesday, 15 December).