‘Don’t judge people if they do not have face covering’
ISLANDERS are being urged not to police the law themselves when the mandatory wearing of face coverings in indoor public spaces comes into force today.
It will be compulsory for anyone aged 12 or over to wear one in places such as supermarkets, petrol stations and on public transport.
Civil Contingencies Authority member Heidi Soulsby advised people to remember that it was important to consider there would be some who are exempt.
‘Be kind and respectful of each other and don’t jump to conclusions if you see someone not wearing a face covering,’ she said.
Those who do not wear a face covering where required and do not have an exemption, such as a lanyard or exemption card, will face a fine of up to £100 if stopped by Bailiwick Law Enforcement.
Questioned on exemption trust and how enforceable the wearing of face coverings would be, CCA chairman Peter Ferbrache acknowledged the difficulty, but encouraged islanders to remember it was not their duty to question individuals.
‘We don’t want people at supermarkets and security staff to bother themselves, clearly they will see if somebody has got a mask on, and [if they don’t] all they need to do is ask if they have an exemption and, if somebody says yes, they’ve got to evidence it,’ he said.
‘They don’t want to get into an argument with them, it’s the responsibility of Law Enforcement and the responsibility of us all as citizens to make sure we comply.
‘For supermarket staff to make that judgement would be unfair and it should not be put on them to police. No doubt they will exercise their common sense and use their good judgement.’
Deputy Soulsby added: ‘We are working on trust and we hope that everybody will abide by it.
‘The vast majority of people will be quite happy with this. If people want to abuse the system they need to look at their conscience and they will not be acting in the spirit of Guernsey Together.’
Lanyards for those who are exempt are available at a number of retail outlets, at Beau Sejour, and a number of third sector partners are distributing them to people who need them. An exemption card for people to carry on their person or on their phone has also been made available via the States website.
