The Government will today announce that face coverings will be made compulsory from Friday the 24th July when shopping- with a £100 fine for non-compliance.
Cllr Phil North has shared his thoughts on his Facebook page, “I’ve got some reservations about this. Not least the effect it might have on the High Street at an absolutely critical time and the slightly confused policy position where the government are encouraging us to go out, even subsidising pub meals to help livelihoods, but by mandating masks potentially worrying people it’s not as safe as they thought.On the other hand, will it encourage more people to venture into shops and feel safer because they might be better protected? “
Community Mask trees in Andover
We have two community mask trees here in Andover, where masks are given for free or for a small donation. Community mask trees have been created by volunteer sewers to provide free cloth face coverings to anyone who might need one.
They can be found at Andover Baptist church, we shared an article on this on the 10th June, you can read more here
The other is at Andover CE school, on East street road. You can read further details here
How should you wear a face covering ?
This is the advice shared on the Government website on how a face covering should be worn.
A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them.
Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched.
You should wash a face covering regularly. It can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent. When wearing a face covering, take care to tuck away any loose ends.
Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 3 or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. For example, primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.
They have shared a guide on how to making a simple face covering here
