LETCHWORTH: People across our area will no longer be legally required to wear face masks later this week - although some stores in our town will still ask customers to wear them.

David's Bookshop in Letchworth are still recommending visitors to the acclaimed shop in Eastcheap wear face coverings.

From Thursday., January 27 face coverings will not be legally required in any setting.

However, David's are still asking customers to wear face coverings.

"Despite Covid restrictions being lifted on the 27th we have made the decision that you will still be required to wear a face covering while visiting David's for the time being," the store said.

"While the Government say you do not have to do so, we have decided, after careful consideration, that if you want to come and see us you will have to wear a mask.

"Many of our staff have not yet had their booster and are primarily in the age group at most risk. Whilst Covid cases remain high locally we feel that this is the correct decision.

"We also ask that you continue to use the hand sanitiser provided and give staff and other shoppers space. If our ability to come into the shop and serve, manage online orders and ship them out becomes compromised, we would have further and more difficult decisions to make."

The change is part of the government's wider announcement to end Plan B coronavirus measures in England.

England's current rules also require everyone aged 11 and over to wear face coverings in most public indoor venues and on public transport.

David's added: ""It is great that we are open seven days a week again and we want to keep it that way without any further interruptions.

"You are all used to wearing face masks inside now so hopefully it isn't too much to ask to keep us all safe for a bit longer.

"We will continue to watch the figures over the coming weeks and months and will make any changes to this policy only when we feel it is safe to do so.

"Thank you all for your understanding.'