We ask the people of Liverpool: Do you support the new COVID rules on wearing face masks?

With more cases of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant detected in the UK, how do the new measures affect you?

New efforts to reduce infections have been introduced, with the wearing of face masks now mandatory in shops and on public transport.

We went out on the streets of Liverpool to find out what you think.

“The shop I work in, we’ve had to wear masks throughout the whole pandemic”

Lucy, a student who lives in the city centre, said: "I work in retail and the shop I work in, we've had to wear masks throughout the whole pandemic. For me, it's not going to be any different apart from customers are going to be wearing masks, which I don't think is a bad thing."

With the Omicron variant detected in the UK, the Department for Education is now advising pupils in year seven and above, including staff and visitors, to wear face coverings in communal areas.

Other measures will see people arriving in the UK required to take PCR tests and isolate until they get a negative result.

Would you welcome stricter rules if they are needed?

“If it saves people’s lives then we just have to go along with it”

Jean, from Woolton, said: "Well, if it saves people's lives then we just have to go along with it, don't we? It's what we need to do if it gets any worse. I'm quite happy to fall in with whatever they say we have to do.”

Those who come into contact with someone who tests positive for the Omicron variant will need to self-isolate for ten days, even if they are fully vaccinated.

In addition, early evidence suggests the new Omicron variant has a higher infection rate, with countries across the world now reporting cases.

Are you concerned about the Omicron variant?

“It’s serious stuff”

Phillip, who is originally from Australia, says: "It's serious stuff and we've all got to recognise that."