'You're not being sent off to war': Edinburgh reacts to news face masks to be mandatory in shops

In her announcement today at the coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon said: "Face coverings in shops will be compulsory from the end of next week but please don't wait until then, get into the habit now."

Readers and Edinburgh residents had mixed reactions towards the announcement with many welcoming the change to protect themselves and others.

Several other readers thought that the move had come too late after shops began to reopen on Monday after many being closed since March.

Sarah Mitchell said: “Washing your hands is the best thing still and plus you can't wear a mask in pubs, cafes and restaurants, so why one rule for one sector and not the other?”

Ste Mansfield commented: “People need to get a grip. You're not being sent off to war. You're being asked to wear a mask when you do your shopping. It's not exactly a hardship. We're all working collectively to keep cases low now that more places are opening up. I honestly can't believe the attitude of some people.”

Elaine Martin added: “Anyone who doesn’t wear a mask without having a good medical reason is putting the lives of our children and grandchildren at risk. Children can’t wear them as they are too small. They have no protection other than decent people taking responsibility for themselves and helping to eradicate the spread of this virus by wearing a mask and protecting others. Just because some establishments don’t insist on it doesn’t make them an authority on public health.”

Koatesey Coates said: “People have been advised to from the beginning but you're all moaning cause yous had to wait to be told before you did. Get over yourselves and just wear a mask for the few mins you'll be in a shop. Nurses and Doctors have had to wear them for 12 hour shifts the whole time and you're all greetin about this. Pathetic.”

Mark More said: “I’ve got asthma and I still wear one out of respect for other people.”

A number of readers believed that mandatory face coverings have been implemented too late.

David Funnell commented: “Too late now, wonder if we'll be refused entry to a shop if we refuse to wear one.”

Liam Tilley added: “Can people still not see that this isn’t relevant to Covid! Why implement it now? It’s pointless!”

Lee Dailly said: “Why do it now and why not reduce the 2m as well then? Doesn’t make any sense.”

Mark Johnson commented: “Wasn’t mandatory before and it was dropping and still is why force it?”

Some readers were strongly against the announcement.

Cath Renwick said: “Why now? Pathetic honest to god we have to learn to live with it like everything else. I for one wont be wearing a mask. Things just get worse instead of better and all the people that have a dig at people for not following rules, stay at home til it’s all over simple as. People have reasons for not complying to rules.”

Dean Clements added: “Don’t really want to restrict my breathing to be honest...”