Bradfordians against return of mandatory face mask-wearing

With people contracting flu, Covid-19 and Strep A on the rise, Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), issued advice yesterday saying adults should “wear a face covering” if they have to leave the house while feeling unwell.

Downing Street said the advice from health officials was “longstanding” but stressed it was “not mandatory”.

New Inn owner John Rossiter in 2020 (Image: Newsquest)

Back in 2020, bosses at the New Inn, in Thornton, raised concerns about rules at the time stating staff and customers at indoor hospitality venues, such as pubs, should all wear face masks, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.

Owner John Rossiter does not believe masks should be mandatory again. 

"I have not seen anybody wear face masks in the pub recently," he said.

"The reality is they don’t really make much of a difference anyway. People touch their faces and are then touching other items.

"With people not being forced to wear them, they are just choosing to not. I would not be for reintroducing them again."

Parents should follow the latest advice and keep children off school if they are unwell and have a fever (Image: PA)

As for children, Professor Hopkins added that they should stay at home if they are unwell and have a fever.

Tom Bright, Bradford branch secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), agrees but would not like to see face masks reintroduced into education settings.

Mr Bright said: "I doubt it will happen again (face masks made mandatory in school).

"It is important for younger children to see facial expressions and wearing a mask prevents this.

"Some secondary school children have been choosing to wear masks around the school."

We decided to ask T&A readers what they thought and the overriding feeling was the return of face masks is not needed.

Fiona Paterson said: "I like the idea of wearing them if you're not feeling well to reduce the risk of spreading whatever you've got. But not masks for everyone."

"No," said Lou Stewart said. "It takes away social skills and social interaction."

Meanwhile, Luna Hartlebury said: "Before wearing masks was normal, I used to get a chest infection at least once a winter. I have not had one in two years so I'll be wearing my mask."

Elizabeth Gordon added: "I don’t think masks are the way forward but how does the NHS cope if we aren’t responsible in trying to avoid the growing crisis in A&Es."