POLICE say they will not respond to general reports of people not wearing face coverings and only issue fines ‘as a last resort’.
However they say they will step in if people refuse to leave a premises or where there is concern over public order.
The message, from West Mercia Police’s Superintendent Sue Thomas, and comes following new legislation which makes the wearing of face coverings compulsory in shops and takeaways.
The government says:
“In England, you must wear a face covering by law in the following settings:
Public transport
Indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
Shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and that wholly or mainly offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
Indoor shopping centres
Banks, building societies, and post offices (including credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses)
People are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until they leave.
People are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
Face coverings are not required in hospitality settings, including restaurants with table service, bars, and pubs.
They are also not required in entertainment venues (such as cinemas or casinos), visitor attractions (such as heritage sites or museums), exercise and sports venues (such as gyms).
Supt Thomas said: “As you will be well aware new legislation around face coverings is now place. As our public engagement approach has proven successful thus far we will continue to explain and encourage first and foremost and issue fines only as a last resort.
“As I’m sure the public will understand we will not be responding to general reports we receive of people not wearing face coverings.
“However, we will of course be there if people refuse to leave a premises or where there are concerns around public order and our local policing teams will be engaging with local businesses over the coming days.
“You will be able to report breaches to us online and we will use this information to help us identify if there are key problem locations so that we can support those business.”
