So masks are to become optional, do you think this is a good idea?

if you work in a shop or supermarket that choice is taken anyway, they are low paid and have no choice.

Monica, you can take exception if you like but your post was just explicit in what you felt was right for you in your area, which is what a lot of people feel, myself included - although my area is different and I feel differently. We are mitigating our own risks aren't we and have been throughout (in my own opinion) but I don't think most people do care or consider. If you own or work in a shop or supermarket, that choice is taken away

At the moment wearing a mask in a shop is for most of us a legal requirement. A shop owner is quite entitled to refuse to serve someone either not wearing a mask through choice. However after 19th July I’m not convinced that a shop can refuse to serve someone not wearing a mask as it is no longer a legal requirement.
Maybe they can……but they would be losing valuable custom and revenue.

Bossyrossy, my local corner shop has a sign on the door 'No mask, no entry!' and the owner flatly refuses to serve anyone without a mask. There are other shops they can use, after all. I feel very safe going in there.

JaneJudge Not wearing a mask does not mean not considering other people. And I take exception to your linking mask wearing with consideration for others.

If a shop wanted me to wear a mask I would do so, I would also wear one when with people who are vulnerable, if they asked me too. Otherwise I have no intention of wearing it in supermarkets, most of which are large and cavernous, and also far less crowded than they used to be because so many people do their supermarket shopping online and have it delivered.

If a mask is required I will wear it, as I have throughout lockdown.

Exactly what MOnica said.

I feel unhappy that wearing masks may become optional. At the moment wearing a mask in shops and public places sees to have become a habit for most people and with such high rates of the Delta varient it seems wise to continue. If people stop wearing them I will have to change my shopping habits and go at off peak times in order to feel safe.

I don't think blanket rules work even if you compare yours and Monica's post
you are worried
she thinks she will be ok
Poverty plays a big part in transmission and recovery if looked at statistically and these people have less choice.
I will carry on wearing my mask and considering other people

Perhaps you could have a supply of disposable masks near the door and a notice politely requesting that anyone who doesn't have their own mask should wear one of yours.

Yes, we have got to get back to normal sooner or later. Like others I have been vaccinated and I live in a rural area where the chances of picking up the disease, let alone transmitting it are very low indeed.

I understand how so many people have developed a morbid fear of disease, but the death rates from COVID are now far lower than for a host of other illnesses including flu and heart disease and no one seems to worry about them.

I'm not sure that it's a good idea to make them optional and, clearly, a lot of people will choose to continue to wear them in confined indoor spaces.

If I was you, I'd put a polite notice on the shop door asking people if they would continue to wear a mask inside. Thank those people who do (I think a lot will) and explain why; just ignore those who don't.