HUNDREDS of readers have had their say on the news that Wales will now follow the rest of the UK and make face coverings mandatory in shops.

The news was first announced on Friday, September 11, by First Minister Mark Drakeford ahead of the three-week review of coronavirus regulations.

From today, Monday, it will now be a legal requirement for anybody over the age of 11 to wear a face covering in public indoor spaces, such as shops.

There will be exemptions for people who cannot wear face coverings for health or medical reasons - similar to those for public transport.

Some were accepting of the decision made by the Government, whilst others critisised that it was too late following local surges of the virus.

Alison Jukes said: “Coming from Devon where masks are compulsory, I was shocked when visiting my Mum in Wales a couple of weeks ago that masks weren’t worn in shops - made me feel very uncomfortable when out shopping.”

Tomme Da added: “I’ll say it’s very late coming into force, but it’s better late than never. I’ve used a mask since before lockdown and wanted to see it mandatory a long time ago - but if this means everyone will wear one then it’s only a good thing.”

Sophie Louise Wynne commented: “I’ve worn one since the start! Not just for my sake but to protect others! Don’t know why people have a problem with wearing them unless there’s a genuine health reason!”

Patricia Corbett said: "It can only be a good thing. It will help prevent spread, especially with winter around corner. This should have been done as soon as lockdown eased though."

Some expressed doubt over the benefits of covering up - and had confusion after previous statement downplayed the need for masks in Wales.

David Price said: "I don’t wear a mask when shopping and I’ve noticed that other ‘unmasked’ shoppers give me as much respect (and space) as I give them. It tends to be the people who are masked up that brush past you to get things off shelves and stand right behind you at the tills (those whose masks are paired with gloves are by far the worst). If anything, wearing a mask gives people a sense of some kind of safety or ‘immunity’ which is much more dangerous."

Susan Davies claims: “Should have been made mandatory as soon as shops reopened.”