SHOPPERS were out and about in the city today, heeding the Government's mandatory order to wear face coverings in shops.

Susan Pullen,66, from Malvern, said: "I've not visited any shops yet, but I was in The Hive earlier and wore my mask.

"I wear glasses and they can steam up while wearing it.

"Wearing one will be more uncomfortable as the temperature increases, but it's best we all wear one to keep safe."

Audrey Bingham, 83, from Worcester, said: "It doesn't bother me, and we all have to accept what we need to do."

Caroline Ford, 58, from Worcester, said: "I've been wearing mine since the start of lockdown, so I'm used to it now.

"Why didn't the Government make it compulsory right from the very start of the lockdown period?"

Rex Mann, 82, from Worcester, said: "I'm not bothered having to wear a mask."

Donna Pooler, 40, an employee of Phase Eight in Chapel Walk Crowngate Shopping Centre, said: "All of the customers who have been in here have worn masks and understand the new rules - everything has been going well and we are happy to wear PPE to keep us all safe."

Fellow worker at the shop, Daisy Reeves,21, said: "It's been good, and customers have reacted positively to the new measures."

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Tony Lal, 33, manager of Fraser Hart in the High Street, said: "We've had no issues and customers have been compliant.

"There's been no drop in footfall, and we all understand we need to do this."

Hugh McKenzie, who runs Stanfords in Chapel Walk, said: "Some mask wearing don't like wearing them as they say they get too hot but the customers who have come to the shop have all worn one.

"I'm wearing a mask as we need to keep each other safe during this pandemic."

Meanwhile, a tweet by @sainsburys said: "We won’t be challenging customers without a mask when they enter or when they are in store since they may have a reason not to wear a mask. Karen."

Face covering became compulsory in shops from July 24 and the new rules are being enforced by police, not shop workers, with an on-the-spot fine of £100 for rules breakers.