Face masks: the businesses that are asking customers to keep wearing face masks after 19th July ‘Freedom Day’
The Government has said that it “expects and recommends” that shoppers continue to wear face coverings, but there will no longer be a legal requirement to do so.
A number of companies have since announced that they will be asking the public to continue to wear face coverings. Businesses and travel operators are able to set their own rules and regulations for customers and passengers regarding face masks.
1. Waterstones
The official Waterstones Twitter account wrote: “Following the lift of restrictions on 19 July across England, we will observe new government guidance. Given our enclosed browsing environment, we encourage our customers to wear face masks and observe social distancing, respecting the safety of staff and fellow book lovers.” Photo: Shutterstock
2. Uber
Ash Kebriti, UK General Manager of Uber, said: “There is nothing more important than the safety of our drivers and the riders who use the Uber app. As cities continue to open up, we will ensure that face coverings or masks continue to be a mandatory requirement, unless exempt, when travelling with Uber across the UK.” Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
3. John Lewis and Waitrose
A spokesman for the John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose, said: "In line with government guidance, we will recommend that our customers and partners in England continue to wear a face covering, unless exempt, from July 19." Photo: Ker Robertson
4. Transport for London services
Transport for London, which covers London Underground, London Buses, London Trams, DLR, London Overground and TfL Rail, has said: “Ahead of the lifting of Government restrictions on Monday 19 July, TfL is reminding customers that they will continue to be required to wear a face covering on TfL services for the duration of their journey.” Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS