Robin Swann ‘unconvinced’ enough people will wear face coverings in shops voluntarily

Stormont’s health minister is “unconvinced” that enough people will wear face coverings in shops without being forced.

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to make the measure mandatory by August 20 if 70-80% of shoppers do not comply voluntarily.

A public information campaign to encourage the use of face coverings will be launched.

Robin Swann said: “I remain unconvinced that the necessary level of compliance will be achieved without some element of enforcement.

“That said, I would be delighted to be proved wrong on that front.

“The onus is on everyone on all of the sides of the debate to work together to achieve our shared objective.”

Scotland has already made them mandatory in shops while similar rules came into force in England on Friday.

Mr Swann said the medical and scientific advice was clear – wearing face coverings in shops will help protect others.

He added: “It should not be a surprise to anyone that at times there are different views, both in wider society and around the Executive table, and that compromises are often required.

“However, there is a strong consensus that face coverings should be worn in shops and other relevant indoor settings.

“The key issue here is how best this can be achieved.”

Industry bodies representing retailers, including Retail NI and the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, have warned against compulsory face masks for shoppers.

On Friday, another 15 Covid-19 infections were confirmed in NI but no new deaths were announced.

Lockdown has eased in recent weeks as the spread of the virus has been limited.