Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Ellie Kendall

We visited a Bristol Tesco Express and the majority of people were still wearing masks

Covid-19 'Plan B' restrictions were lifted in England today (Thursday, January 27), but local people in Bristol seem to be continuing to wear face coverings in shops.

Bristol Live visited the Tesco Express on Filton Avenue to see just what ratio of people were continuing to use face masks, compared to those who were choosing to ditch them.

The lifting of restrictions comes as the Government look to phase out Covid-19 restrictions for good, as a way of getting the country back to some semblance of normality.

Read more: Face coverings: The rules on masks now 'Plan B' is over

It means that it is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask in shops and other businesses, nor is it a legal requirement to show your Covid pass at things like music and sports events.

The lifting of restrictions has, however, brought some divided opinions with doctors advising the public continue to wear them, while ministers tell the people of the UK it is now no longer necessary.

During our visit to the Tesco Express, which is located on a busy main road in a residential area, surrounded by small local businesses and shops, we found that around 90% of people inside the store were choosing to wear their face coverings while they shopped.

A number of people were also continuing to wear their face masks while outside, as they walked along the road and passengers waiting at bus stops near to the local supermarket were also continuing to don face coverings before boarding the bus.

It seems that, despite the restrictions being lifted and rules changing, local people still feel safer wearing a mask and covering their face.

The Omicron variant is still a huge issue in the city and, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, nearly 3 million people in England (around one person in 20) had COVID in the week ending January 15. Cases may be declining, but they are still incredibly high.

Just yesterday, Bristol Live reported that four people had died in Bristol and hundreds of people are still in hospital with Covid in and around the city.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are continuing to enforce the use of face coverings.

While the date of March 24 has been earmarked for a possible lifting of the compulsory need to self-isolate if someone in England tests positive for Covid-19.

What do you think of restrictions being lifted today? Will you continue wearing a mask? Let us know in the comments below.

Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you love here

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.