Boris Johnson’s mask U-turn descended into chaos today after TfL and rail firms issued conflicting orders and shoppers ditched face coverings early.
The Prime Minister is scrapping all Covid restrictions in England, including compulsory face masks on public transport and in shops from next Thursday.
Already this morning, in an Asda supermarket in south London shoppers binned their masks and went bare faced.
John Lewis and Waitrose became the first major stores to confirm that masks are no longer necessary. A spokesman told MailOnline that it will ‘suggest’ masks are worn, but stressed ‘it will be down to individuals to make a personal choice’.
However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that face coverings will remain a ‘condition of carriage’ on all TfL services including Tubes, buses, Overground trains, trams or river boats – meaning people without masks may be denied travel unless exempt.
TfL said that 500 officers and ‘police partners’ will be out across the network in the coming days to ensure that customers continue to comply with the Government’s restrictions until the law expires next week. The service warned that ‘those who do not wear face coverings may be prevented from using our services or asked to leave the network’.
But the threat of being fined if people don’t cover their faces will be dropped next Thursday because it will be no longer legally enforceable. TfL has fined more than 1,800 commuters not wearing masks between November 30 and yesterday, a spokesman told MailOnline.
Messaging on masks threatened to collapse further into farce after the Rail Delivery Group said National Rail would only ask people to wear masks in busy indoor settings.
A spokesman for the group, which represents Britain’s train operators, confirmed this will be guidance, and not enforced, adding: ‘Passengers should follow the government guidance and, as a courtesy to others, wear face coverings if an indoor setting is busy.’
This creates the bizarre situation in London where masks will be required on some services but not others travelling on the same tracks between the same stations – because one is operated by Transport for London and the other is not.
For example, commuters travelling from Kensington Olympia to Shepherd’s Bush will need to wear masks on Overground trains but not on Southern services.
Similarly, people going from Upminster to Barking will have to cover their faces on District line trains – but not on c2c.
Commuters cram into the carriage of a Jubilee line train at Waterloo station on the London Underground this morning
Commuters wear face masks as the travel on the Jubilee Line in East London during rush hour this morning
Commuters at Waterloo station in London make their way into offices today after advice to work from home was dropped
Shoppers in an Asda in south London chose not to wear face masks. The change in rule comes into force next week
A female shopper in an Asda supermarket in south London chose not to wear a face mask
The current face mask rule stickers from Transport for London, pictured today, are a common sight on Underground trains
Commuters wear masks as they stand or walk on an escalator at Waterloo station on the London Underground this morning
People wearing face masks walk past a Covid-19 mask rules poster at Piccadilly Circus station in London this morning
Data published by TfL shows commuter traffic in the past two years (January 2020-22). It reveals that the number of workers travelling by bus or Tube, and commuter footfall across the capital, remains way down on pre-Covid
The change in mask rules is likely to coincide with a surge in passenger numbers on public transport after the Government axed its WFH guidance.
Emma Gibson, director of transport watchdog London TravelWatch, said: ‘Seven out of ten people say that they feel safer on public transport if other people are wearing face coverings.
‘This figure is even higher for older people and those who use public transport more regularly.
‘Different policies for wearing face coverings on the train and tube will inevitably lead to confusion for passengers.’
Anthony Smith, chief executive of the Transport Focus watchdog, added: ‘We know people are divided between not wanting to wear face coverings, and not wanting to travel if they aren’t worn.
‘The lack of consistency on rules is likely to cause some uncertainty and confusion. It could also make enforcement trickier. Clear information before and during journeys will be key.’
A British Transport Police spokesman told MailOnline: ‘As has been the case throughout the pandemic, officers will continue with the ‘4Es’ approach of engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce any coronavirus legal requirements.
‘We are confident that those using the railway will continue to act responsibly and play their part in protecting each other by complying with the requirement to wear face coverings not only on trains but also in stations, unless they are exempt.
‘Our officers will continue to be out across the rail network supporting rail colleagues, engaging with passengers, and encouraging people to wear face coverings.’
The force said it could not confirm how many officers will be on patrol this weekend ‘for operational reasons’, but added that its ‘policing response will remain the same as it has been throughout the pandemic until legislation changes’.
Commuters in London told MailOnline they supported the Government’s decision to scrap WFH guidance.
However, they also expressed concerns that the relaxation could lead to a spike in Covid cases.
David Dix, who works as a film extra and was travelling from Northfields station, west London said: ‘I don’t think Covid is that serious any more and it makes sense to lifetime the restrictions so we can get back to normal.
‘I know a lot of people who’ve had Covid and their symptoms have not been that bad. I’ve been travelling to work as normal and the trains are going to get a lot busier so we all should continue wearing masks.’
Photographer Al Stuart, 60, said: ‘I’ve been on four tube trains this morning and they were very busy. I’m sure they’re going to get even busier from next week now that the work from home advice has been lifted.
‘I’m going to carry on taking precautions and wear a mask but it’s the right time for normal life to resume.’
William Rogers, 50, a church worker who was travelling from Richmond station said: ‘I’ve been working all the way through but I do feel it’s safe now for everybody to return to work, especially if people are wearing masks and regularly sanitising.’
Daniel Myers, 33, an IT worker who was travelling to his office from Ealing Broadway in West London, said: ‘It doesn’t really affect me because I’ve been going into work despite the guidance.
‘We were given a choice and I don’t like working from home. I think it’s better for everyone that we all go back to work because it will help to get the economy moving again too.
‘But it’s going to get a lot busier on the buses and trains and my worry is that it’s going to increase the chances of catching Covid.’
Sheila O’Rourke, 29, who works in a central London restaurant, said: ‘We’ve got to get back to normal life so it’s a good decision because we can’t all stay indoors hiding from Covid.
‘I haven’t stopped going to work because the restaurant has stayed open but it’s a good decision, even though it might lead to an increase in Covid rates.
Commuters in London said they supported the decision to scrap WFH guidance. Left, Al Stuart. Right, David Dix
William Rogers, a church worker who was travelling from Richmond station said: ‘I’ve been working all the way through but I do feel it’s safe now for everybody to return to work, especially if people are wearing masks and regularly sanitising’
A female shopper not wearing a mask at a shop on Regent Street in central London today
Shoppers on Regent Street in central London were divided over masks as some wore them and some went without
Commuters walk along the concourse at London Waterloo train station while others check information boards this morning
Commuters sit on a Northern line train during rush hour this morning as they make their way through London
Commuters walk through a passageway at London Euston train station during rush hour this morning
Commuters sit on a Northern line train during rush hour this morning as they make their way through London
Commuters wait for information on boards at London King’s Cross station this morning after work from home guidance ended
People wear masks as they walk near a London Underground sign in Piccadilly Circus this morning
Commuters wait for a Northern line train during rush hour this morning as they make their way into London
‘But a lot of people are vaccinated and have had the booster so that will give us a lot of protection.’
Station staff said they had noticed a significant increase in passenger numbers, though they expected that to change from next week.
A member of staff at Ealing Broadway said: ‘The announcement on WFH has only just been made and I think a full return will start happening from next week.
‘It’s not been a hectic rush hour this morning, but my worry is that you’re going to see the usual madness pretty soon.
‘Passengers just have to make sure that they are wearing masks, which will still be a legal requirement because we don’t want Covid cases to rise.’
Paul Lambert, 44, who was travelling from Kew to his office in central London, said: ‘I’ve been in and out of work for a while now since the last lockdown ended. I think it’s a difficult decision, to send people back to work and I hope that that it’s the right decision.’
Jane Doe, 50, said: ‘I stopped going to work during the previous lockdowns but have continued over the past few weeks. I think it’s absolutely safe enough, especially for young people.’
Sanjeev Sharma, 38 who works in an electrical company and was travelling to his office from Northfields Underground station, said: ‘It’s a good decision but I’m also a bit worried. I’ve been doing a mix of working from home and going into the office as have a lot of people.
‘The tubes and buses are going to get packed again although they weren’t like that today and my worry is that more people are going to get Covid.’
Neil Davies, who was travelling from Richmond station, said: ‘As long as people are careful, I think it’s OK for them to return to work, but we still have a long way to go.’
It comes as John Lewis announced that masks are not necessary at its John Lewis and Waitrose stores.
A spokesperson told MailOnline it will ‘suggest’ that people cover their faces, but stressed ‘it will be down to individuals to make a personal choice’.
‘We value the safety of our customers and Partners and continue to follow the latest Government guidelines,’ they added.
An Asda spokesman said the Government’s guidance is being reviewed. He would not be drawn on when a decision and announcement will be made.
A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: ‘We’re reviewing the latest guidance and will keep colleagues and customers updated on any changes to the measures in our stores.’
And a spokeswoman for Morrisons said the supermarket ‘will be able to give a clearer view’ once official guidance has been reviewed.
Mr Khan said that wearing a face covering is one of the most important things people can do to prevent the virus from spreading, and insisted that the fight against the virus had not ended.
He said: ‘Wearing a face covering is one of the single most important and easiest things we can all do to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and the Government should rethink their plans and keep legislation in place to make them mandatory on public transport as well as in shops and indoor public venues.
‘This ensures the rules are clear and consistent and, crucially, means enforcement action can continue to be carried out on our transport network.
‘If we have learnt anything from this pandemic, it is that we must not get complacent and undo all our hard work and sacrifices.
‘That’s why face coverings will remain a condition of carriage on Transport for London services. I’m asking everyone in our capital to do the right thing and continue to wear a face covering when travelling on TfL services to keep us all protected and to prevent further restrictions from being necessary later down the line.’
He was backed by Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association, who said: ‘As ever our union puts public health first and we know that face coverings help reduce transmission of the virus and will give the public confidence on public transport.
‘It’s vital our brave transport members who have been on the front line of this pandemic continue to feel they are protected.
‘Sadiq Khan is spot on when he says face coverings should remain beyond the end of Plan B, especially given the rates of infection we are still seeing.
‘Clearly the Government should back this, not only for London but across the rest of our public transport network.’
The Prime Minister announced yesterday that England will return to Plan A restrictions after claiming ‘our scientists believe it is likely that the Omicron wave has now peaked nationally’, and Plan B could therefore now end.
But on the subject of masks, a TfL spokesman said: ‘We are grateful that the vast majority of people have followed the rules and helped control the virus and keep each other, and our staff, safe and we ask them to continue to do so.
‘Our intention is to retain the condition of carriage requiring customers to wear face coverings at all times while travelling on our network unless exempt, which we have found plays an important role in giving people confidence to use public transport and to travel safely.
‘Under this condition of carriage, those who do not wear face coverings may be prevented from using our services or asked to leave the network.
‘The transport network is cleaner than ever, with an enhanced cleaning regime, hospital grade cleaning products, widely available hand sanitiser and UV light fittings on escalator handrails to kill viruses, and regular testing by Imperial College London has found no trace of coronavirus on our public transport network.
‘We look forward to welcoming back our customers and helping the city recovery from the pandemic.’
And in an weekend travel information update to passengers issued this morning, TfL said: ‘You must wear face coverings for the duration of your journey or risk being fined, unless you are exempt.
The Prime Minister announced yesterday that mandatory face masks will no longer be required across England from next week, while advice for people to work from home will be dropped immediately
‘Additionally, face coverings should be worn by everyone in taxi and private hire vehicles for the duration of their journey. TfL’s 500 uniformed enforcement officers and TfL’s police partners will be out across the transport network ensuring that customers comply with the Government regulation. Anybody who does not comply may be refused entry, directed to leave the network or face a fine.’
Councillor Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council, said: ‘Footfall remains sharply down in the West End and a key part of that is the fact commuters have stayed away in significant numbers. That has starved our stores, shops and bars of customers, so the lifting of work from home restrictions comes none too soon.
‘For the past 18 months the Council has been doing everything it can to attract people back into the City – staging high profile free arts events, backing pop-up businesses in empty shops and continuing with the roll out of al fresco dining where local people support it. We are also pressing on with ambitious plans for a £150million redesign of Oxford Street to make it more attractive for visitors.
‘It’s the people who make a City – creating the buzz, enjoying the shops, bars and our world famous locations. I look forward to welcoming them back.’
It comes as the chief medical adviser to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said people’s behaviour will make a difference to declining or rising coronavirus cases.
Dr Susan Hopkins told a press conference in Downing Street that people mixing and socialising will ‘need to do that carefully and within the guidelines’.
The Prime Minister announced yesterday that mandatory face masks will no longer be required across England from next week, while advice for people to work from home will be dropped immediately.
Dr Hopkins told the press conference: ‘I think what we’ve seen is that case numbers have declined. It’s people’s behaviour that is going to make the difference over the next four weeks, on whether those case numbers continue to decline, stay the same, or rise.
‘Clearly when you’re working from home you have less social contact, but we’re already seeing some people start to go back into the office and mix and socialise more.
‘They need to do that carefully and within the guidelines, taking care particularly when they’re on public transport, in indoor spaces and crowded places to wear face coverings; to test regularly if they’re going back out and meeting people, particularly those who are more vulnerable; and finally to ensure that they’ve taken up that vaccination offer.’
Dr Hopkins added that ‘the biggest response that we all have as individuals is to take our personal behaviour seriously and that really is driving towards vaccination uptake, as well as remembering to wear our face coverings when you’re in closed spaces with people that you don’t know’.
Charities described the move to end the mandatory wearing of face masks a ‘risk’ following the announcement.
Richard Kramer, chief executive of Sense, a charity for the disabled, said: ‘Whilst for many, and thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, Covid-19 isn’t a significant risk to their health, we must remember that many disabled people still remain much more at risk of severe illness and complications from the virus.
‘The restrictions that are being lifted, such as compulsory mask-wearing on public transport, are in reality safety measures, and their removal comes with risk, which will increase anxiety for many.
‘The Government’s message is that the world is opening up and that we’re going back to ‘normal’, but for many disabled people this isn’t the case.
‘Many people, who have been considered clinically extremely vulnerable have chosen to continue shielding after it was formally ‘paused’ as they have simply not felt safe to leave their homes.’
Henny Braund MBE, chief executive of the Anthony Nolan charity, said: ‘Infection rates remain extremely high and ending Plan B restrictions in England will pose a serious and ongoing risk to blood cancer patients, who remain vulnerable to Covid-19.
‘They may be forced to shield for their own protection – two years from the start of the pandemic – while the rest of society moves on.
‘We urge Government to keep face masks mandatory as they are proven to reduce virus transmission. We are also calling for a dedicated lead for people who are immunocompromised, so that there is clear guidance and support to stop blood cancer patients from being left behind.’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk