19th July Lockdown Easing - Observations and Compliance

[jumble]

Not the case at other times though. More like 50/50 during the day, less in the evening.

I do not deny this to be the case

 

[Green tractor]

You've forgotten that wearing one is not normal haven't you?

Being in the midst of a pandemic isn't normal either

 

[Huntergreed]

Being in the midst of a pandemic isn't normal either

We’re hardly “in the midst of a pandemic”. There’s a seasonal respiratory virus which was introduced to a population with no immunity. Now there is immunity, both natural and vaccination based immunity, in 90% of the population, I fail to see how that screams “the midst of a pandemic”.

It sounds like you simply want to mandate them we’re “in the midst of a pandemic” rather than for any actual purpose or benefit, which shows how those who enthusiastically support masks (such as yourself) will support them for the sake of it rather than for any proper, beneficial medical purpose.

 

[satisnek]

Slightly concerning though that WMT’s services on the Cross-City line are still playing automated “you must wear a face covering” announcements 2 weeks on from the legal mandate being removed.

That's interesting, because on the particular service I saw which I mentioned upthread, few seemed to be taking much notice!

 

[Barnsley]

I used a Rail Replacement Bus yesterday from Wakefield Westgate to Barnsley, driver was masked, and not letting us on until we put a mask on, luckily I still had one in my pocket, sat upstairs and immediately removed it!

 

[VauxhallandI]

We’re hardly “in the midst of a pandemic”. There’s a seasonal respiratory virus which was introduced to a population with no immunity. Now there is immunity, both natural and vaccination based immunity, in 90% of the population, I fail to see how that screams “the midst of a pandemic”.

It sounds like you simply want to mandate them we’re “in the midst of a pandemic” rather than for any actual purpose or benefit, which shows how those who enthusiastically support masks (such as yourself) will support them for the sake of it rather than for any proper, beneficial medical purpose.

Thank you.

It’s getting boring now to be honest, the same hysterical drivel

 

[MrTurbostar170]

The Met Police still seem to be confused on twitter:

https://twitter.com/MetCC/status/1421911418312531971

19:50 - Clapham Junction Station. At this time and date NO ONE in the train carriage I’m currently on is wearing a mask.
@TfL

@metpoliceuk
this has to be fixed.

Thank you Dave. Local officers and BTP have bene informed. Can you confirm to us which train route you were aboard at the time of incident?

Even when the person complaining clarified they were on a train to Staines (non-TfL), "the update was passed on."

 

[Class 33]

I used a Rail Replacement Bus yesterday from Wakefield Westgate to Barnsley, driver was masked, and not letting us on until we put a mask on, luckily I still had one in my pocket, sat upstairs and immediately removed it!

Shame on that bus driver refusing to let you board until you had a mask on. It is no longer a legal requirement to wear these silly things on public transport anymore in England. They have absolutely no right to refuse people boarding without a mask.

 

[yorkie]

Shame on that bus driver refusing to let you board until you had a mask on. It is no longer a legal requirement to wear these silly things on public transport anymore in England. They have absolutely no right to refuse people boarding without a mask.

I would definitely complain about this.

I would also have informed them that they were obliged to provide travel and if they wished to provide a separate bus or taxi that's their prerogative.

We must stop giving into these obsessive authoritarians. Enough is enough!

 

[Silver Cobra]

Greater Anglia services to and from Essex on Saturday also still had the wrong "must" message playing. How difficult is this? I'm sure they all had them playing quickly enough when they were put in.

On the GA service I used on Saturday from Cambridge to Norwich, after the automated announcement you refer to played, the driver very quickly made his own announcement to tell everyone that the automated announcement has yet to be updated and that we should disregard the ‘must’ part and anything about fines. He did also ask everyone to respect each other’s decisions on whether we choose to wear a mask or not.

 

[joncombe]

Now the mask requirement has gone made my first long (> 1 hour) train journey at the weekend, to Kings Lynn since early 2020.

At my local SWR station there is still a big poster outside saying you must wear a face covering and the £6,000 odd fine or whatever the exact amount was. On the train still automated announcements about wearing a mask, which were then followed by manual announcements by the guard saying the same though at Clapham Junction it was then stated "that you must wear a face covering and that it's a legal requirement to do so if you are changing onto TFL services". About 80% wearing masks and 20% not.

On the tube it was about 2/3 wearing masks and 1/3 not. On the train to Kings Lynn it was a similar split, but this time no announcements and no notices about fines, which was nice.

At Kings Lynn station you are directed to use a small side exit rather than use the ticket gates, Here in theory someone is meant to check tickets but was busy chatting so everyone walked through whilst the entrance is what used to be the entrance/exit but with the ticket gates left open. I went in the buffet on the way back and oddly (given it's the reverse of what most businesses seem to be doing) they had a sign stating that if you paid by card there was a "20p admin fee" and was preferring payment in cash instead (which I did), nice to be welcome paying cash but not sure about the charging 20p extra to use a card!

On the way back it was more like 50/50 on the train from Kings Lynn and on the tube also about 50/50 mask waring suggesting compliance in the evening is lower (this was a Saturday). On the train back from Waterloo I didn't see another passenger as I headed for the front carriage, as I usually do and was surprised to find I was the only passenger in that carriage for the entire journey. I don't think I've ever had a carriage to myself when leaving London. This time no announcements either automated or by the guard about wearing a mask though he did come round to check tickets. So I don't know what proportion were wearing masks.

So nice to get back onto trains for longer journeys again without having to wear a mask, but still some somewhat mixed messaging.

 

[Skimpot flyer]

Theres a new card shop opened today in the town I live.
As I walked past I noticed that they have arrows on the floor and a one way system inside.
I didn't stop to read the full details of the signs on the door but saw covid mentioned.
The shops been open less than 8 hours

I suspect that card shop may be folding soon

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Aug 2021 ==

Are there any other stations in England that still have a one way system?

As far as I know, Finsbury Park still has a ridiculous system where London-bound NR passengers wanting to access the tube have to exit the station, walk in the streets for approximately 3 sides of a square, and re-enter the station to get onto the tube platforms.
Four spiral staircases down to tube level were completely closed off, where common sense could have allowed two to be used to walk up, and two to go down.

 

[3rd rail land]

An organisation I am occasionally involved with has released some safety information which includes the following: 'When inside the building, please wear your mask at all times unless in your seat.'

Hopefully they won't try to enforce this as I don't plan to wear a face covering. My experience so far is that organisations which make statements similar to this are sensible and don't try to enforce it.

 

[yorkie]

As far as I know, Finsbury Park still has a ridiculous system where London-bound NR passengers wanting to access the tube have to exit the station, walk in the streets for approximately 3 sides of a square, and re-enter the station to get onto the tube platforms.
Four spiral staircases down to tube level were completely closed off, where common sense could have allowed two to be used to walk up, and two to go down.

It's gone now.

 

[Andrew S]

they had a sign stating that if you paid by card there was a "20p admin fee"

Isn't that illegal now?

 

[stevetay3]

Went into town today first time in months. Mask wearers seems to be in a big minority here now, both in shops and outside in the street. No stroppy jobsworths about at all. Only problem Tescos still making you queue to get in so went to sainsbury instead. Better shop in my opinion anyway. Buses still empty.

 

[Green tractor]

We’re hardly “in the midst of a pandemic”. There’s a seasonal respiratory virus which was introduced to a population with no immunity. Now there is immunity, both natural and vaccination based immunity, in 90% of the population, I fail to see how that screams “the midst of a pandemic”.

It sounds like you simply want to mandate them we’re “in the midst of a pandemic” rather than for any actual purpose or benefit, which shows how those who enthusiastically support masks (such as yourself) will support them for the sake of it rather than for any proper, beneficial medical purpose.

It is a global pandemic, still

No I don't want to see masks forever, but as the 1 measure which doesn't damage the economy, I fail to understand why some people are so obsessed with the fact people are wearing them.

 

[_toommm_]

Isn't that illegal now?

Yep, as of January 2018.

Retailers can still set minimum amounts for card though.

Card surcharge ban means no more nasty surprises for shoppers

Hidden charges for paying with a debit or credit card will be banned from today (13 January).

www.gov.uk

 

[Busaholic]

I was, for my sins, in a large Primark store today with my other half, me being bored started to count other shoppers to get a figure on mask compliance.
I suspect there are many out there who, like some posters on this thread, are wearing them only so as to ‘not stand out’ or fear of comments, stares or intimidation (none of which I’ve experienced).
I counted 59 non-wearers to 39 masked. Most of those masked-up were not teenagers or young adults, and I imagine the younger customers see others leaving the shop without masks & possibly take “courage” that there will be no comments?
Adding myself and my partner, that was exactly 61% not wearing masks (I didn’t count any staff)

I have figures too from Sunday, in both cases supermarkets where I live, with both locals and holidaymakers included. I've deliberately excluded children, and kept a running total in my head as I did my shopping:-

Tesco shoppers
42 masked, 14 unmasked
Tesco staff
10 masked, 3 unmasked
Sainsbury shoppers
41 masked, 15 unmasked
Sainsbury staff
12 masked, 4 unmasked (plus one who always wears a visor)

The two or three with masks not covering either nose or mouth I counted as unmasked, including one member of staff. From observation, holidaymakers were much less likely to wear a mask as locals, and there was slightly less maskwearing in younger age groups. I haven't included myself, not wearing a mask in either location.

 

[island]

The Met Police still seem to be confused on twitter:

https://twitter.com/MetCC/status/1421911418312531971

Even when the person complaining clarified they were on a train to Staines (non-TfL), "the update was passed on."

To give the BTP credit where it's due, they replied back saying

https://twitter.com/BTP/status/1422119450267078657

"Face covering legislation was removed in England, so we no longer have involvement in policing the wearing of face coverings."

 

[Busaholic]

Yep, as of January 2018.

Retailers can still set minimum amounts for card though.

Card surcharge ban means no more nasty surprises for shoppers

Hidden charges for paying with a debit or credit card will be banned from today (13 January).

www.gov.uk

They can also charge a fee for business credit cards, as DVLA do in the case of vehicle road tax for instance.

 

[DustyBin]

It is a global pandemic, still

No I don't want to see masks forever, but as the 1 measure which doesn't damage the economy, I fail to understand why some people are so obsessed with the fact people are wearing them.

It is a global pandemic but within the UK it’s endemic and will remain that way especially with the travel restrictions we have in place.

At the end of the day it’s up to the individual what they wear, however personally I find it rather depressing looking at masked faces. In addition, masks symbolise fear and control (the reasons they were introduced) and it’s time to break free of both. As such the less I see the better!

 

[Solent&Wessex]

There is an automated announcement playing every 5 minutes or so at Manchester Piccadilly and Leeds, roughly as follows:

"We're doing everything we can to make travelling safe. We're cleaning stations and trains more frequently. When travelling please wear a face covering which covers your mouth and nose, wash or sanitise your hands frequently and remember to keep your distance from other people. Travel with confidence".

There's another one about how staff are working hard during this difficult time and everyone must show respect for each other.

 

[Cdd89]

Quite a few announcements (eg Southern) still refer to “unless exempt”. I think this is inappropriate as this concept no longer exists, except for in the CoCs of TfL.

 

[yorkie]

I feel the rail industry takes passengers for granted and really doesn't care about providing a welcoming atmosphere.

The current messaging is sickening and inappropriate; it makes me angry and more determined to push back and resist the authoritarian stance.

 

[Skimpot flyer]

Shopping in a big Asda around 5pm yesterday, I counted 88 unmasked faces vs 113 with masks. I may have counted some individuals twice, I’m not sure.
What tickled me was occasionally I’d see couples where one was masked and one wasn’t. I don’t see any logic in that, much like many other aspects of mask-wearing in this pandemonium pandemic

 

[bramling]

I feel the rail industry takes passengers for granted and really doesn't care about providing a welcoming atmosphere.

The current messaging is sickening and inappropriate; it makes me angry and more determined to push back and resist the authoritarian stance.

I’d say it’s more they are now stuck between two stools - the rather mixed government message (what on earth does “expected” mean, as well as the rubbish about “respect”) on the one hand, and on the other that there’s still a vocal minority obsessed with mask wearing.

From what we hear on here there are a number of guards also taking upon themselves to be using passive-aggressive tactics to try to influence people into wearing masks, and I object to that. I’m not sure it’s something they’ve been encouraged to do though, and I’d certainly be bringing it to the relevant TOC’s attention if I heard such an announcement.

I’ve only used GTR and T&W Metro since the 17th. The latter have their own policy, but my experience with GTR has been fine - mask announcements and signage all seems to have gone. I’d add the caveat that I’ve only used DOO services however.

I’d say shops are more of an issue. From what I’ve seen a majority of shops are still into masks to a greater or lesser extent, and there’s still plenty of “no mask no entry” type signs.

 

[Failed Unit]

I feel the rail industry takes passengers for granted and really doesn't care about providing a welcoming atmosphere.

The current messaging is sickening and inappropriate; it makes me angry and more determined to push back and resist the authoritarian stance.

It always has, which I guess is why the former NSE area is really hurting now. They used to have the attitude that the passengers have no choice but to use them because they are hardly going to drive. Put up fares? No problem you either leave your job or find the money.

It is interesting the regional areas seem to be recovering faster and from experience also seem to be more relaxed. Which considering they normally have guards and the DOO former network south east area doesn't is also interesting. Using EMR in particular (regional) it seems back to normal. Some people chose to wear mask, others don't but you are not feeling unclean if you don't.

LNER on the other hand doesn't seem to want passengers, I have used them. I have had the majority of passengers not wearing masks in my coach. But because of their hardline they also get more "someone is in my coach not wearing a mask tweets". I do envy people making such tweets that they have so little to worry about, the fact that someone isn't wearing a mask is the most upsetting thing of their day I don't feel welcome on LNER and would actually considering driving rather than use them. I have noticed on LNER that if a lot of people are not wearing them, more follow by putting them on one ear. I have never thankfully had a member of staff say anything, or another passenger since July 19th. (But understand others have got confronted with the "how can you be so selfish line")

A rock in a hard place, I think the people that are most vocal probably wouldn't use public transport anyway. LNER themselves won't know for sure how many people are not using their trains because of their approach and how many are re-assured. I did miss always having an empty seat next to me, but happy that the railway is getting back to normal. As pubs / cafes are finding if you are relaxed more people will visit, if you continue with the hard line people won't. I guess LNER are lucky for the moment that their biggest competitor on London - Edinburgh (air) is still forcing masks, but it does seem less hassle to drive as you know you won't get into any conflicts because of their policy.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I’ve ditched my mask at work from this week - as have most of my colleagues. I’m also slowly getting used to travelling on trains without feeling self conscious

 

[Bikeman78]

"We're doing everything we can to make travelling safe. We're cleaning stations and trains more frequently. When travelling please wear a face covering which covers your mouth and nose, wash or sanitise your hands frequently and remember to keep your distance from other people. Travel with confidence".

This reminded me of the Airline pilot sketch on John Cleese's how to irritate people. It's on Youtube. Surely the best way for people to travel confidently is to say nothing? Those who are there to hear the announcements are already reasonably confident and the rest of the population won't hear them anyway.