Why Did Mask-Wearing in Shops Dwindle in Early July 2020 in England?

The question of why most people in England were not wearing masks in shops at the start of July 2020 is a complex one, involving a mix of public health advice, government policy, and individual behavior.

Public Health Advice and Shop Practices

The official guidelines as of July 2020 were clear: individuals should wear masks in situations where social distancing is not possible. However, most shops in England had implemented strict social distancing measures, thereby negating the necessity for mask-wearing. This practice aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) advice that masks are only required in crowded public spaces where physical distance is difficult to maintain.

Consider the scenario of walking past someone at slightly less than two meters in an aisle: the risk of contracting the virus is exceedingly low. The definition of close contact, for instance, includes spending 15 minutes or more within two meters, and only in settings where face-to-face interaction or enclosed spaces are involved. A brief encounter as you pass by count as minimal risk, provided you avoid sneezing on people.

Shop Management Measures

Shops have taken significant steps to minimize risks. Many operate a 'one-in-one-out' rule, ensuring that only a limited number of customers enter at a time. When queues for services are long, they direct customers to wait two meters apart, or in sheltered areas outside the shop. Cashiers are often positioned behind screens, and sometimes, stores install additional barriers or signage to encourage social distancing. These measures, combined with reduced customer numbers, help to keep the overall risk low.

The Role of Government and Public Opinion

While the government had advised the public to wear masks on public transport, the lack of enforceable actions or clear guidance for shops became a pressing issue. The mindset that many are 'immune' or 'invincible' has contributed to the reluctance to wear masks. This is especially true in areas where the belief in the end of the lockdown or the changing social norms is strong.

Nonetheless, the lack of stringent enforcement, particularly in transit, means that compliance was not consistently high. For instance, bus and tram drivers cannot legally demand mask-wearing for fear of facing physical attacks or legal repercussions. This reluctance, coupled with the inability to enforce public health guidelines, led to a situation where mask-wearing was voluntary rather than mandatory.

Predicted Future Trends

The future trends in mask-wearing in England suggest a mixed outlook. As people start to mix more freely, there is a growing expectation that the public will adhere to mask-wearing in higher risk settings. However, the reopening of pubs and the prospect of crowded public spaces like beaches and city centers during events like weekends or holidays may pose new challenges.

Despite these potential risks, the public health community remains cautiously optimistic, with the expectation that as people become more accustomed to the need for precaution, mask-wearing will become more widespread. It is hoped that this will prevent a resurgence of the virus and allow society to return to a more normal state of affairs.

Ultimately, the key to success in implementing mask-wearing lies in a combination of clear, consistent public health messaging, practical measures to support compliance, and the willingness of individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions.