Lancashire County Council says ‘Don’t be a Dick’ as £100 fine introduced for mask refusal

Face masks being worn on the streets of Preston during Friday (4 December) Pic: Paul Melling — Face masks being worn on the streets of Preston. Pic: Paul Melling

Lancashire Council has today warned Preston residents they face a £100 fine if they refuse to wear masks on public transport and in shops.

In a Facebook post this morning, the council introduced ‘Richard’, a character featured on a poster to remind residents to abide by the law and wear masks unless exempt.

From Tuesday 30 November, the UK Government made face coverings compulsory in shops and on public transport unless exempt, to help fight the spread of the Omicron variant.

On the post, LCC said: “Meet Richard! Richard doesn’t want to wear a mask, even though it’s the law.

“Richard thinks he knows best, but as well as being wrong, he’s now £100 out of pocket. Don’t be a Dick. Do your bit and mask up. It’s cheaper.”

Face coverings are also compulsory in other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers.

According to the GOV website, all travellers arriving into the country from 4am on Tuesday 30 November must take a PCR test on or before day two and self-isolate until they have received a negative test result.

The PCR tests are purchasable from private providers, but free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose.

The update adds to the measures implemented to prevent the spread of the new variant, including travel restrictions.

Close contacts of anyone who tests positive for Omicron must isolate for ten days – regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.

For more information, visit – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-decisive-action-against-new-covid-19-variant?fbclid=IwAR0k0HqIuEu4hXGw8ONfqSXKpqYq0dYIVSFio_H3d65YEhP5fH1dj13eEcM