Full list of high street shops including Poundland and B&Q where you still have to wear masks as restrictions lift

COVID restrictions may have eased by law, but shops can still ask customers to wear a face mask – and some plan to do so.

Today, January 27, Plan B measures to keep Omicron at bay have been scrapped, but the use of masks may not be disappearing altogether like some hoped.

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Plan B rules were implemented on December 8 to contain the new Covid variant, Omicron, as it was rapidly spreading through the nation. 

But as the variant simmered down, the government has scrapped restrictions surrounding public measures, such as working from home requirements.

This also means it’s no longer a legal requirement to wear a mask in certain public indoor venues.

But business owners have a duty of care under health and safety legislation to protect customers and staff, meaning they’re entitled to enforce their own rules.

This includes the rules on face coverings.

Some stores are planning to continue asking their customers to wear face coverings while others will be more relaxed – we took at look at which retailers are doing what.

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Which stores still require face-coverings?

B&Q

The DIY giant B&Q told The Sun that it will still be asking customers to wear masks, although this won’t be enforced.

A spokesperson said: “B&Q is encouraging customers to wear face coverings and is maintaining social distancing measures to help customers shop safely.”

So though it’s not compulsory, customers are expected to wear them to protect others.

John Lewis

A John Lewis spokesperson said: “We value the safety of our customers and Partners and continue to follow the latest Government guidelines. 

“From Thursday 27 January, we’ll be suggesting our customers wear masks in our stores, although it will be down to individuals to make a personal choice.”

As it’s a personal choice, however, there will be no consequences for going in without one on.

Poundland

The high street bargain shop told The Sun it will be sticking to government guidance.

A spokesperson said: “As Poundland has done throughout the pandemic, it’s stuck to government guidelines to the letter, so with today’s changes in England they are now a matter of personal judgement. 

“Of course it goes without saying that we understand that many will want to remain masked and they are, of course, free to do so.

“Our rigorous cleaning regimes will remain in place.”

Customers can wear masks if they feel more comfortable doing so, but will not be asked to leave if they prefer not to..

Boots, B&M, TK Maxx, Primark, Ikea and Matalan

The Sun has contacted these stores to ask for an update on their policy after restrictions have eased.

We are waiting to hear back and will update this story when we know more.

Judging from history, Boots is likely to follow government advice which states it is no-longer a mandatory requirement – and may therefore ease its rules.

When face mask rules were previously scrapped last year, B&M announced in July 2021 that customers would not have to wear them if they no longer wanted to.

TK Maxx previously said: “while wearing a face covering is your personal choice and judgement, we’d encourage you to wear one in our stores if you can. 

“Wearing a face covering in an indoor space can help to keep everyone safe.”

So it is likely this will be the advice this time round too.

Likewise, Primark’s website still has old advice on view stating: “We hope that our customers and colleagues will continue to think of others and wear a face covering when in store.”

In IKEA’s existing FAQs section on its website, the old face mask rules are yet to be updated. 

The store advises customers to wear a face covering and notify a member of staff where this is not possible.

Again, Matalan’s website is yet to be updated following today’s change of rules. They previously advised shoppers to keep staff and customers safe by wearing a mask.

It’s looking likely that all stores will encourage mask-wearing regardless of the rule changes.

For those in Scotland and Wales, face coverings are still compulsory when in public spaces. 

It’s not only high-street stores that are changing mask rules in light of today’s news, supermarkets also have to decide what to enforce.
Speaking of supermarkets, some like Sainsbury’s and Morrisons have launched Valentine’s Day meal deals for couples that are available to buy already.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk