Back in July, the Government made the use of face coverings in supermarkets compulsory in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Britain.
Anyone who didn’t wear one could be hit with a £100 fine, they warned.
However, certain supermarkets have said that whilst masks were advised, they would not take action to enforce the rules.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester has since asked supermarkets to “play their part” and take a stricter approach – encouraging them to ask customers who refuse to wear one (without a valid excuse) to leave.
So, what we’ve been left with is something of a minefield. Which supermarkets are telling customers to wear masks? And which aren’t?
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Here are the latest updates with regards to each major store in the UK when it comes to face coverings.
Aldi
David Smith / Geograph
Face coverings in Aldi are compulsory.
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If you’re visiting the budget store, you will need to remember to bring a mask along with you.
A supermarket statement reads: “…it will be mandatory for all customers (with certain exceptions) shopping in our stores to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit.”
Asda
Asda is “strongly advising” customers to wear masks, but is not enforcing the rule.
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Their stance on the matter is as follows: “While we will do all we can to strongly encourage customers to respect the new guidelines, the responsibility for policing and enforcing them does lie with the relevant authorities.”
They have however said that those who have a valid reason not to wear a face covering will be free to enter the store without one.
Lidl
Lidl is not enforcing the face covering rule.
Representatives stated that: “Wearing a face covering is the responsibility of the individual and should only be enforced by Police and council enforcement officers.
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“The government have stipulated that shop workers should not refuse entry to customers that are not wearing a face covering.”
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s, too, are refusing to stop customers entering their supermarkets without a face mask.
In a statement on the issue, Sainsbury’s said: “We won’t be challenging customers without a mask when they enter or when they are in store since they may have a reason not to wear a mask.”
Tesco
Tesco have asked all customers to wear a face covering, but it does not appear that the chain is yet enforcing the rule.
Representatives have said that colleagues will not challenge or refuse entry to customers visiting stores without a mask.
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
20th August 2020 
