By Nicky Detain and Diana Roche
Holloway residents have voiced their concerns on government guidance of wearing face coverings on public transport, saying that everyone should continue wearing masks to protect themselves and others.
Phillipa Thomas, a 56-year-old developmental coach, said: “I had to go into strict lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic, because of a medical condition that affects my lungs.”
“I think we should always wear masks, especially in winter and on public transport, and I feel that we’re letting each other down if we don’t.”
Enforcement of masks on public transport
Earlier this week, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced that the wearing of face coverings would continue to be enforced on all TFL services.
This is despite the lifting of Plan B restrictions yesterday, removing the legal requirement to wear a face coverings in public areas.
However, the rule can no longer be enforced by law, therefore transport police aren’t able to hand out fines or arrest those who fail to wear a face covering whilst using public transport in the capital.
Since November 30th, over 1,500 fines have been issued to those who were found to not be wearing a face covering whilst on the transport network without being exempt.
No reason to lift restrictions
Richard Lister, a writer, 57, has expressed concern: “As far as I can see, there is no health reason not to wear a mask at the moment, the SAGE organization has been clear that there’s no reason that’s medically driven to lift the restrictions.”
“The decision that has been taken is purely political. So I’m going to keep wearing a mask until I can see evidence that there’s no reason to wear a mask anymore.”
He continued: “The sad thing is, people won’t and it’ll make it more difficult for people who want to wear masks.”
Elodie Garceiu, an investor relations manager, 29, said: “I think we should still keep the masks on everyone, obviously except people who cannot for some health reasons, because we’re still in a pandemic.
“This new variant might be less violent in terms of symptoms, we don’t know how it can evolve.”
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