Keep face masks in shops, says Plaid Cymru

“Is it responsible to insist a shop worker wears a face mask to see a doctor, but that same doctor doesn’t have to wear a mask in the shop?” – Rhun ap Iorwerth MS

Plaid Cymru has called for the wearing face masks to remain mandatory in retail outlets.

Deputy Leader of Plaid Cymru in the Senedd, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS echoed the question raised by newly elected Plaid Cymru Gwynedd councillor Gwynfor Owen: “Imagine a scenario where a shop worker would have to wear a face covering in order to access their local surgery, but a doctor wouldn’t to wear a mask to go to the shop?”

In questions to the First Minister, Mr ap Iorwerth also called for Welsh Government to be “uncompromising” in their protection of children and young people from the virus, including taking measures to improve ventilation in schools and rolling out vaccines.

Mr ap Iorwerth raised particular concern about the impact of Long Covid on young people, and asked for the development of Children’s Long Covid services.

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, who is the party’s spokesman on Health and Care, said,

“Governments shouldn’t be picking and choosing which close contact settings require the use of face masks – coronavirus certainly doesn’t make such a distinction!

“I welcome the confirmation that people will still be required to wear face coverings on public transport and in healthcare settings, but being in a busy shop is also a risk, including to staff.

“Welsh Government needs to share their reasoning behind this decision, otherwise we’ll have the situation where a shop worker will have to wear a face covering to go to their doctor, but their doctor will not have to wear a mask to visit their shop.”