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Making masks compulsory in shops sounds ridiculous when I can spend hours in a pub without one

Face masks could become compulsory in shops in England, Boris Johnson has hinted: TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images
Face masks could become compulsory in shops in England, Boris Johnson has hinted: TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images

I am disappointed to hear Boris Johnson hinting about making masks compulsory in shops.

This would seem like a strange measure to bring in three months into lockdown based on what seems to be theoretical risk, with no apparent real-world evidence to suggest that virus transmission happens in shops, even though people have been shopping throughout lockdown.

I am more than happy to wear a mask on public transport, in healthcare settings, or in other situations where there is prolonged close contact with others (even though steaming up is a constant problem for people like me who wear glasses), but to be denied the choice to exercise judgment in other circumstances feels like a real attack on personal liberty.

At this stage, now that much more is known about the virus and the circumstances in which it spreads, steps like this need to be properly justified and backed up with real-world scientific evidence about the risk of transmission in a setting, not generalised laboratory experiments.

Nigel Fox
Leamington Spa

Scrap migration law now

I just thought I’d email to support the letter “Repeal the minimum income rule for non-EU spouses so international families can stay together”. I have many migrant friends that are truly wonderful people, have enriched my life, and have made our town a better place to be. Politicians need to show compassion for other humans. This law proves all they care about is money – not people and not facts. If there isn’t actually any proven benefit to this law it should be scrapped.

Helen Gillingham
Wellington, Somerset

Relationship problems

Since Donald Trump became president, I started to question the benefit of our special relationship with America, which historically has tended to benefit the US rather than the UK. Doubts must be creeping in with senior members of the royal family.

First, Wallace Simpson stole the heart of Edward VIII, leading to his inevitable abdication. More recently, another American has caused ructions dragging Prince Harry to Los Angeles. Finally, Prince Andrew’s affiliation with Jeffrey Epstein will continue to be a source of further embarrassment.

Could this year prove to be a “conscious uncoupling” with our American friends and yet another annus horribilis?

Christopher Learmont-Hughes
Caldy, Wirral

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