South West local's petition calling for face masks to remain compulsory hits 180k signatures
People won't be required to wear one in shops when restrictions end of July 19
A man from the South West is calling for face masks to remain mandatory in shops when lockdown restrictions end on July 19.
Martyn Codey, who's from Bristol, started a petition which has now reached over 180,000 signatures.
He's urging the Government to keep the legal requirement to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets beyond the so-called 'Freedom Day' until there's a substantial decline in infection rates.
He also thinks more time should be given for people to be double-jabbed before the rules are scrapped entirely.
Martyn said: "Cases are rising again and hospitalisations are rising again.
"I believe that the longer the virus is allowed to circulate, the greater the risk of more variants developing.
"With this risk, could be an even greater risk of a variant appearing which could render the current vaccines useless.
In Gloucestershire, 1574 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 7 days - 247.1 cases per 100,000 people.
Nearly all coronavirus restrictions are going to be lifted in England from next Monday, 19th July.
From Step 4 all coronavirus restrictions on gatherings will be removed, masks will no longer be legally required, social distancing measures will be scrapped and the order to work from home will be lifted.
Boris Johnson warned that the coronavirus pandemic “is not over” as he said mask use will be advised in crowded and enclosed spaces even after legal controls end.
Martyn added: "The Prime Minister needs to listen to these voices crying out now.
"He needs to listen to the scientists and listen to the data.
"He's been saying "listen to the data". Well he needs to listen to it now because cases and hospitalisations are rising again".