With the legal requirement to wear a mask indoors being lifted in Wales this week, we asked our readers for their thoughts. The law surrounding face coverings changed on March 28 meaning you no longer need to wear a face covering in all indoor settings.
People no longer have to wear masks in shops or on public transport in Wales, but masks will still be required in hospital and health care settings. The Welsh Government has made the decision not to relax all restrictions due to cases rising.
The Welsh Government amended the legal requirement for masks to be worn indoors to fight the spread of coronavirus. The legal requirement to self-isolate has also been scrapped and instead people are asked to stay inside if they test positive. Businesses will still be asked to complete risk assessments.
Covid cases are rising in Wales which First Minister Mark Drakeford has admitted caused concern within the Welsh Government. We asked people across Wales whether they will continue to wear a face covering despite the new rule changes.
Sandra Owen-Jones said: "Yes because I am on immunosuppressant medication at the moment."
Mary Simmonds added: "Yes. I'm ill with Covid at the moment and wouldn't want to pass these symptoms on to a vulnerable person. The mask does give the wearer some protection too if properly worn."
Natasha NJ said: "A mask protects others, not yourself. They only work if everyone else is wearing one. So personally I don't see the point anymore, once the rules are relaxed on Monday. If I have a cold or feel unwell, I will probably wear one to protect others"
Peter Gerrard said: "No - we need to learn to live with this as we do everyday colds and virus’ - abandoned my masks weeks ago and glad now it’s not mandatory."
Menna Vaughan said: "I don't see the problem, if someone prefers to wear then wear one. It's an individual choice. Do what you feel comfortable with, although I didn't see many people with severe chest conditions etc wearing marks pre-Covid. Look after yourselves."
Mark Lewis said: "Working in hospital I’ll have to wear them for a considerable amount of time again. It’s tough going, Covid is still about, so I’ll continue to wear one in closed quarters. If a person decides not to wear one, then that’s ok."
Carol Whitelock added: "Yes as I have very low immune and other illnesses so I will wear to protect myself . I do hope they keep the cleaning stations for trolleys and the hands even though not many use them . I will as it will also help to keep germs for colds and flu at bay."
Heather Davies said: "No, I hate them, can’t wear my hearing aids as the mask pulls them out and if I feel unwell I will stay at home until I’m better. It’s gonna feel strange not to wear one though."
Richard Wolf Howells said: "Nope. I’d be more concerned about the long term effects on our respiratory systems. Plus from what I remember from over the last 2 years is that we hit peak figures for Covid when masks was mandatory. So how can people be so dead set on them working I never know. But each to their own! Do whatever makes you feel comfortable."
Thomas Palmer added: "Yes and No. If the places I visit ask that I do then I will respect that and wear one. If the places I visit don’t ask then I will use my judgement dependable on if it is busy or not."
Betty Francis said: "You would still wear a mask if you had a very close friend who died from Covid."
