Usdaw welcomes continued mask wearing in Welsh shops

From Monday (28), the Welsh government has withdrawn the legal requirement for masks to be worn indoors due to Coronavirus.

Under the new rules, people no longer need to wear a face covering in cinemas, theatres, community centres, museums and gyms but face coverings will continue to be a legal requirement for adults and children aged 11 and over, unless exempt, in all retail settings, on public transport and in health and care settings.

The legal requirement to wear masks in hospitality settings has already been removed but the Welsh government “strongly advise” people to wear them voluntarily.

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the Welsh government retaining the legal requirement for shoppers to wear face coverings, if they are able to. While the requirement is being phased out in some public venues, face coverings will continue in Welsh retail possibly for another month. A review is expected on Friday.

“It is sensible and measured to keep the requirement to wear a face covering in shops. While Covid appears to be in decline, the pandemic is not over yet,” Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary said.

“Wearing a face covering protects others and we welcome that the Welsh Government has been clear and consistent on it being mandatory in stores.

“Usdaw is urging the shopping public to wear a face covering, if they can, to help make shops safer. We ask the public to follow the rules and respect shop workers, abuse is not a part of their job. We continue to call on retail employers to maintain appropriate safety measures, ensuring they are followed consistently in every store.

“Many shop workers are at a greater risk of catching the virus, simply because of the number of people they interact with on every shift. Yet they have worked throughout the pandemic to keep our communities supplied with essentials. These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”