Police ready to enforce mandatory mask wearing

It will become mandatory to wear a mask in indoor public spaces from tomorrow, unless a person is exempt.

Mr Le Breton said most of the community already complied with the recommendations, so they hoped the legislation would largely police itself.

‘However, for those individuals who disregard or ignore these regulations, we have a message for you,’ he said.

‘Guernsey and Alderney Police will robustly respond and enforce these regulations. This may result in an on-the-spot fine, a fixed penalty notice, or a police officer has the discretion to report an individual for a future court prosecution. Please wear a face covering and let’s keep our community safe.’

He encouraged people exempt from wearing a face covering to visit the States website and download an exemption card.

People risk a £100 fine if they break the rules. The UK already has a similar system, with shops being told to take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law.

If that fails, the police can issue fines, starting from £200.

A Waitrose spokesperson confirmed that all customers must wear face coverings unless under the required age or medically exempt.

Marshals will be positioned at the entrances to both its Rohais and Admiral Park stores.

‘They will have disposable masks available for customers who do not have their own and will deny admission to anyone refusing to comply,’ they said.

‘They will also be ensuring that, wherever possible, only one member of each household is permitted to shop.’

Garage shops have seen an upturn in trade as people try to stay close to home and go to smaller businesses.

Thompson’s Motors in Route de l’Eglise, Castel, has been busy in recent weeks and has increased its range to try to meet demand. The shop has a one-way system to try to keep people apart and safe.

Director Tracey Ford said all staff wore masks and customers had also been good about wearing face coverings. However, she said mask wearing had resulted in some people getting upset and confused, especially older shoppers.

‘Some people are frightened,’ she said.

‘It’s anxiety. It’s a really frightening time for a lot of people. Everyone is struggling in their own way.’

The business has introduced the option for people to call ahead with what they want and then stay in their car and have it brought out to them. Mrs Ford said they were trying to support people as much as possible.

Whiteway Motors has also seen its shop get busier.

‘Most of the customers so far have been quite good with wearing masks,’ said assistant Cameron Black.

‘The ones without a mask wait outside and shout about what they would like rather than come into the shop.’

He said there had been a handful of people who had decided to pop into the shop while out on a walk who had not been wearing masks, so he hoped people would remember to take a mask with them on their daily exercise.

‘I don’t see it being much of issue [making mask wearing mandatory],’ he said.