Health Minister not convinced people in NI will wear masks without enforcement
Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann says he is not convinced that enough people will wear face coverings in shops without some element of enforcement.
It comes as the Executive announced on Thursday that face coverings will be compulsory in shops next month.
But first, ministers say that they will encourage as many people as possible to wear them and, if people don’t comply by 20 August, they will then enforce the policy.
In a statement, Mr Swann said: "If I believe enforcement is needed from 20 August, then I will not step back from making that happen." It is part of the plan to help prevent a second wave of infection this autumn.
A Co Tyrone man who has spent the last four months shielding says he would not feel comfortable leaving his home if the wearing of face masks was not mandatory.
Speaking to UTV, Dermot Devlin said: “Making masks mandatory might make it easier for people to wear them without feeling self-conscious.
“There are many other people just like myself at are just too scared to go out.”