Wakefield and Pontefract shoppers ready masks as new rules come into effect tomorrow

But as of tomorrow it will be a legal requirement to wear a face covering when inside shops or face a £100 fine.

It has been mandatory to wear masks on public transport since June 15.

Critics of the policy have argued it curtails personal freedom and may discourage people from using their high streets.

Supporters point out masks are supposed to protect other people in the vicinity from the virus as well as the wearer.

Questions have been asked about why the change was made several months after the pandemic began and why there was nearly two weeks between when the measure was announced – on July 14 – and enforced.

Business owners and the public have different on how the expect the high street to change from tomorrow and shared their views on the Express’ Facebook pages.

Karen Turner , owner of the Barbers Shop in Ossett said: “I’ve asked all my customers to wear one since we re-opened on the July 4 and everyone has been willing to do so.”

David Martin said: “With the easing of lockdown rules. “More people are allowed to gather in a group, it makes it pointless.

“Should be up to each other. This should have been done from the start and not now.”

David Bier said: “It’s unmanageable people will just use an excuse if they don’t want to wear them. No police around for them to police it.”

Mark Cunnane said: “Wearing a mask is to protect others and not just you. Get over it.”

Susan Johnson said: “Why do I feel that the folk objecting to wearing a mask in shops, not outside, are a sandwich short of a picnic!

“Some people just hate to be told or advised what to do for their own good. Bull headed with no vision of helping others.”

Jonathan Walmsley said: “It will be final nail in coffin for high street.”

Mike Bywater said: “Wearing masks in shops and enclosed public spaces should have been compulsory from the start.

“However, as in all things, there will be exceptions, and that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

“What does make me angry, are the people who, without medical or other valid reason, refuse to wear masks just ‘on principle’ because they don’t like being told what to do. That is a disrespect to all the others, particularly to those who cannot wear a mask.”

Rosie Ball said: “It’s a mask, I don’t get why people feel the need to rebel against everything!

“Those that genuinely can’t wear one for health reasons shouldn’t be out in my opinion. We stayed home to protect the medically compromised.

“It’s half hour trips to Asda, a hour max not 8 hours in full PPE like some people are having to wear. Just get on with it.”

Richard Cattley said: “Do these people rebel against the apparent infringement of their freedoms when they’re told they must, by law, wear a seat belt, not drink when driving or not text when driving I wonder?

“All are laws for our safety, why is it any different?”

Sharon Meadows said: “I’ve had several conversations with people who don’t want to wear masks and one question that popped up every time was ‘why delay wearing a mask in shops?

“If it is going to be compulsory, why wait until July 24? Why not do it with immediate effect?”