Will you wear a mask after July 19? Bucks residents have their say

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday he would ease social distancing restrictions.

The so-called ‘freedom day’ is expected on July 19, with a decision on whether or not to go ahead being taken a week earlier.

Mr Johnson told a Downing Street press conference: “And we must be honest with ourselves that if we can’t reopen our society in the next few weeks, when we will be helped by the arrival of summer, and by the school holidays, then we must ask ourselves ‘when will we be able to return to normal?’

“And to those who say we should delay again – the alternative to that is to open up in winter when the virus will have an advantage, or not at all this year.”

Boris Johnson told the public they are set to no longer be legally required to wear masks from July 19 – despite his chief medical advisor suggesting that face coverings should be worn as a “common courtesy”.

So we asked readers on social media whether they would continue to wear a mask after July 19 – and hundreds of you commented.

While some said they did not intend to wear masks after July 19, others said they would continue to do so even if they were no longer a legal requirement indoors - and some others said they would wear them in crowded and confines spaces, but not otherwise.

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Sue Thacker commented: “Yes, a mask protects others not necessarily yourself,” while Natalie Battle added: “In shops, many of the younger ones who tend to work in retail won’t have had their 2nd jab by then. Wearing a mask affects me very little but could affect someone else greatly.”

Moira Nixon wrote: “Yes i think so, depends on the situation and where. Well for now at least and to what and see what the impact will be with removal of the restrictions.

“I truly hope we can all eventually return to how we were. Certainly made me appreciate life pre-Covid.”

Jayne Austin said she would wear one on public transport, adding: “I work in a supermarket and it has been difficult to wear one ALL shift so maybe not so much at work,” while Darren Hayday said: “Yes of course. Even having both jabs, if in an enclosed room/on a bus, etc. with other people for a period of time. Covid doesn't magically disappear after July 19, it is a political decision... I do not want to spread or catch Covid.”

Gerry Berry said he would wear them on plans, trains and in other confined spaces with crowds, but not in pubs, shops or restaurants, with Sam Heath also saying the same.

Jackie Louise Hardy wrote: “Where I feel I need to, more so I'm not a carrier of the virus and potentially could pass it on to my daughter”, while Alan Kinehan commented: “If I have a stinking cold and going in a confined space such as a train – probably. Nothing wrong with learning from a bad situation.”

Under the rule changes, transport operators and shops will be able to decide their own policy on the issue, setting conditions for their own premises while remaining mindful of equality law.

Some supermarkets have said they would encourage masks for shoppers, but would not turn away people who refused to wear them.

Many readers said they would ditch their masks, with John Stone writing: “Probably not. I have got fed up with them. To me, it's not human. It’s time we ditched this crap and got back to how we were,” while Simon Falconer commented: “No, as I have had both jabs I am not likely to pass it on and even if I did, the chances of anyone being hospitalised is very small now.

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“I am autistic so have sensory issues with wearing a mask and it affects my breathing and sinuses, as well as fogging up my glasses.”

Paula Caffyn said: “No. Not where I don’t have to. Hate wearing them. Especially in the heat. I’m vaccinated and had it. If that’s not enough antibodies to send it off, nothing will be,” and Jagdeep Singh Lall wrote: “No....I want to expose my body to germs so that I have a strong immune system…it is what has kept the human species going for millions of years, so well tried and tested.

“I look forward to seeing photos of masks washing up on beaches and inside sea life as people dump them in the bin...talk about walking into the next crisis.”

Kimberley Nicola commented: “No I won't. Remember when the firstlockdown hit and it wasn’t a thing?” while Jenny Vella said: “Nope! Can’t stand the things. They give me a cracking headache.”

Callum Tredwell said: “Nope and I haven’t since it started,” and Heather Wicks wrote: “No, it’s the best news I have heard for a long time that restrictions are to be lifted.”

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Keith Archer said he was interested in the “dynamic it may introduce between people that do and people that don’t”, while Phyll Richardson said: “In shops and buses, I think everyone should for a while longer, but it’s down to individuals, their choice.”

Professor Chris Whitty said he would wear a mask in three scenarios: if in a crowded space near others, if asked to be a competent authority, or if someone else was uncomfortable about him not wearing a face covering as a “point of common courtesy”.

It is understood the government has not conducted specific modelling on how many people are expected to continue to wear masks once the requirement is lifted.

• Do you agree? Will you wear a mask? Let us know in the comments.