It becomes mandatory in the UK to wear a face mask in shops from tomorrow Firday 24th July. So I wrote to my local health food store that has tended to obey the lockdown stipulations. Here is an example of explaining liability. I do trust that I did it respectfully and kindly enough whilst being clear about my rights...

Hi there - firstly let me say how much I enjoy your service. I have been a regular customer of yours for many years <3. I wanted to inquire if you will be insisting on people wearing face masks as of Friday when the new government guidelines come in? I thought you should be aware that many people will be against that, including me. There is no scientific proof that masks actually deter the spread of the virus and in actual fact, the reverse can be true, as they collect bateria over the course of the day. Plus they do nothing to stop the transmission of virus particles that are airborne, because they are much smaller than the weave of the mask. The World Health Organisation website has stated earlier in the pandemic that they do NOT stop the spread of the virus. The masks also put a lot of stress on people who might already have some medical condition. You may or may not be aware that preventing people entering a store without wearing a mask is potentially a contravention of the Equality Act, and could render you liable to prosecution. So I'm hoping you'll have the fairness to allow people to enter without wearing one who might have a genuine health reason not to do so. Wishing all at your establishment well in these challenging times.

I just received a positive and friendly response back that whilst they will encourage wearing them, they certainly won't enforce or police the issue.

These are the kinds of small acrtions we each need to take. It's an expression of sovereign rights and ensures that our freedoms will not be further eroded.

Haleluyah!

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