Masks could be here to stay as three quarters of Brits say they will keep wearing them on public transport – and 64% back shops barring people who refuse to cover up
- EXCLUSIVE: Poll suggests high proportions of Brits plan to keep wearing masks
- Nearly two-thirds would support businesses barring people who won’t don them
- Some 72 per cent are likely to wear on public transport and 67 per cent in shops
Masks look to be here to stay as a poll showed three-quarters of Britons plan to keep wearing them on public transport.
An exclusive poll for MailOnline has found that 72 per cent of the public are likely to don coverings to go on the train, Tube or bus after they become voluntary on ‘Freedom Day’.
Two-thirds say they will keep the habit in shops and cinemas – while 32 per cent even expect to do so in parks, according to the research by Redfield & Wilton Strategies.
Some 64 per cent would back businesses barring customers who refuse to put on masks, and significant proportions would feel uncomfortable inside with others bare-faced.
The evidence of ongoing anxiety among the public comes despite Boris Johnson declaring his intention of pushing ahead with ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19.
The poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for MailOnline found 64 per cent would back businesses barring customers who refuse to put on masks
The research found 72 per cent of the public are likely to don coverings to go on the train, Tube or bus after they become voluntary on ‘Freedom Day’
Almost all legal restrictions are set to be axed in England on the date – with social distancing abandoned and masks becoming optional.
However, the PM and a series of his ministers have admitted they will keep wearing masks in crowded environments, urging people to use ‘common sense’.
Nicola Sturgeon has also insisted that face coverings will still be mandatory in Scotland after July 19.
The poll, carried out on Wednesday, found people tend to be concerned that Mr Johnson has been ‘too impatient’ about lifting restrictions.
Some 39 per cent said that was the case, compared to 29 per cent who thought he had been too cautious. A third thought the premier had struck the right balance.
Just 16 per cent said they would be ‘very comfortable’ being inside with people who were not wearing masks after Freedom Day, while 21 per cent would be ‘somewhat comfortable’.
But 22 per cent would feel somewhat uncomfortable, and another 23 per cent would be very uncomfortable.
Two-thirds – 67 per cent – are likely to keep wearing masks in shops, 72 per cent on public transport, and 62 per cent in theatres and cinemas.
Some 32 per cent said they will keep wearing coverings in outdoor settings – although 61 per cent said this was unlikely.
Of the 64 per who would back businesses that barred non-mask wearers, 31 per cent said they would strongly support them.
Large proportions of the public still appear to be nervous about being indoors with people not wearing masks
Just 16 per cent would be against firms taking the step, with 18 per cent neutral.
However, separate polling by Ipsos MORI suggests that people are becoming more relaxed about getting back to normal.
Three-quarters said they would feel comfortable taking holidays in the UK, up three points since May.
Just under half – 44 per cent – feel comfortable taking holidays abroad. But that was up from 34 per cent in May.
:: Redfield & Wilton Strategies polled 1,500 adults online on July 7, with the results weighted to represent the wider population