The Masks

---

Mask-wearing has been made compulsory in shops and on Public Transport in England, In Line with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland . But what do commuters and shoppers in Norwich think About Face coverings being reintroduced as cases of the coronavirus emerge in the UK?

'Quite a few' not wearing masks

Ross Glading, 22, arrived at Norwich Railway Station shortly before 09:00 GMT, wearing a mask.

" I don't really mind it; it's just a piece of cloth; it doesn't really matter, " He Said .

Mr Glading said he had worn a covering regularly while commuting for The Past three months, but was " not terribly worried" about The Situation .

" However, you never know, because this situation has obviously got out of control recently and everything could Go On its head, " He Said .

He Said he avoided people on The Train without coverings, of which there were " quite a few".

" I feel annoyed, but people will be people. In The End you just avoid them and get on with your life, " he added.

'Good thing'

Travelling up from London was Adam Goldsmith, 57, Who Said he was " absolutely fine" about wearing a mask as it was there to " protect myself and protect others".

He Said he tended to find about 90% of travellers wore masks.

" It's everyone's choice really; I've made mine - certainly didn't Make Me feel worse or happier; it is what it is, " He Said .

" It's needed unfortunately, with the new variant which is so transmissive.

" I think it's a good thing. "

'Claustrophobic'

High Street shops have been particularly affected by the pandemic.

Paul Mallett was doing some Christmas shopping and said he accepted the reintroduction of masks, but with reservations.

" It makes me feel As If I've gone a little backwards, " He Said .

" I know Some People are very supportive of masks, but I just find them a bit claustrophobic. "

Despite this he planned to continue visiting the shops.

" A lot of people buy stuff on The Internet now, " He Said .

" I still think we need to spend money in these shops, otherwise They 'll all disappear and that makes me a little sad. "

'Uncertainty'

Julie Wallace runs Nova Silver in the Norwich Lanes.

She Said The Face covering rule was " not a big change" for staff.

" To be quite honest we've been wearing them the whole time, from when we were first mandated to wear them Last Year , " She Said .

" We're just used to it. All the staff have chosen to wear them for own safety, we don't force them, we've just never found it a problem. "

But how worried was she about the impact on potential customers?

" Most People are really are reasonable and They know it's not our Fault - They want to support local businesses, " She Said .

" Most of the General Public don't have problems with The Mask - just the uncertainty that may stop people Coming Out rather than The Masks . "

'Customers are thoughtful'

David Finlay is of a similar opinion. He owns Elements Menswear.

" I'm happy with it to be honest, as long as there's clear guidance with The Law , people know what to do going ahead, " He Said .

Mr Finlay said he could also see how masks " might act as a barrier" to people Coming Out to shop.

" It can be. We're always having to compete with online sales and out-of-town Shopping Centres , " He Said .

" The Lanes have quite small shops but a lot of our customers are thoughtful [about each other].

" I'd like to think people are educated enough to keep Coming In , as They have done throughout the pandemic, but we have a very loyal customer base who have been very keen to see us reopen and prosper. "

Find Bbc News : East of England on, and. If you have A Story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc. co. uk

Source of news: bbc.com