The Civil Contingencies Authority has not made masks mandatory, as initial feedback from essential retailers suggests that a "vast majority" of people are wearing face coverings already.
The current advice is that masks are strongly recommended when people are "out the house, at indoor places such as supermarkets, and built-up outdoor areas."
However, there have been calls for that position to be enshrined in law, which led to discussions about face coverings at the CCA's latest meeting.
"I’ve had quite a lot of feedback about this, some very supportive, others less so," said Policy & Resources Vice President Heidi Soulsby.
"We are considering if they should be mandatory, but what we have done initially is get feedback from essential retailers and ask them if we need stronger measures."
Fed up of meeting people on walks without masks. Know it’s only the minority, but it only takes one! @gov.gg Please #Makemasksmandatory
— BiodiversityBaz (@BiodiversityBaz) January 31, 2021
Went to the Town coop as part of 2 hr exercise and I must say a massive Thankyou to all the Guernsey people adhering to the rules!!
— Jon Langlois (@JonLanglois2) January 29, 2021
All safe distancing and wearing masks!!
Well done!!????????????We are in this together!!
General observations from my walk. Why are people not wearing masks and why are you driving so fast?! @ Guernsey, Channel Islands https://t.co/wKIu5yGneY
— Shakerley (@NicolaShakerley) January 30, 2021
Pictured: Varying responses to whether masks should be made mandatory in Guernsey.
Deputy Soulsby reiterated that the CCA "really has no desire" to bring in regulations unless absolutely necessary.
At this point in time, there are no plans to draw up legislation, although is still subject to change.
"The CCA hasn’t made a final decision, but the initial feedback from retailers is that the vast majority of us are wearing our face coverings even without legislation to make it mandatory and this is great to hear."
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