Preston Council leader says new mandatory mask rules are ‘small sacrifice’

The Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Matthew Brown, says new mask-wearing rules are a ‘small sacrifice’ needed to avoid further Covid restrictions.

Cllr Brown’s comments came after Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed wearing masks on public transport and in shops will be mandatory in England from Tuesday 30 November.

The move follows the discovery of the new Omicron strain of Covid last week.

Speaking to Blog Preston, Councillor Brown said: “I have been saying for some time measures like wearing of masks on public transport and in retail environments are a small sacrifice to avoid the risk of more stringent restrictions later which no one wants to see.

“As always, following public health advice is the best way to ensure Covid infections and the risk of the new variant don’t spread dramatically as we approach Christmas.”

However Cllr Brown expressed concern for the impact on workers who have already experienced an increase in abuse during the pandemic.

Cllr Brown continued: “I also feel proper thought and support should be given to staff who may have to enforce these regulations, especially as government has for months been saying they weren’t legally necessary until now.

“The danger is hard-working staff may face abuse for enforcing this mishandling not of their making.”

What do you think of the new rules? Let us know in the comments.