‘I’ll be wearing a mask’: businesses and staff wary as England unlocking begins

Bira chief says guidelines fail to reflect rise in coronavirus cases, as workers fear employers won't protect them

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At a public library in London, staff members are filled with nerves about freedom day" on 19 July. Billed as the big unlocking and an end to social distancing rules and mandatory face coverings in England, they fear for their safety as Covid cases grow daily.

I will still be wearing a mask and so will lots of colleagues. We will still be washing and sanitising our hands and trying to keep a distance, but it is hard as a lot of people just walk straight up to you," said Alan Wylie, a 55-year-old librarian.