021 Law and order

"Law and order"

I am like a dog with a bone but this issue over face masks in Scotland is really starting to get under my skin. I'm not concerned as to whether it's right or wrong but more concerned by the lack of effort by the government to either enforce something they tell us is "mandatory" or alternatively start telling the truth that its optional. I get the feeling they would like it enforced but that would be unpopular and they won't go down that path as popularity is their core value. Instead they guilt trip and hope if that does not work then people with self police. I don't want a police state but I wouldnt mind some clarity.

When I went to the shops earlier all the guidelines are still in place. Signs are everywhere reminding us of the need still to socially distance and with spacing lines in the floor for queuing. There is now an entrance and exit where before one door served both. There is sanitizer on entering with wipes and disinfectant for trolleys. There are arrows to guide us which route to take. But there are no signs about masks. There is nothing to say its compulsory to where a mask and no warnings of on the spot fines. I read that last weekend no fines were issued which implies everyone is complying but that is just spin. Tonight two loudmouths, who looked and sounded like the type who's phone conversations you have to listen to on trains, we're walking about without masks going the wrong way up aisles and being generally annoying. Not an offence though. I turn to see two policeman walking toward me. Behind me is a man pushing a trolley without a mask. I expect him to panic but he does not. He looks at them and moves past them. But they then turn. Not to look at him but because their attention is grabbed by the noise of the loudmouths coming down the aisle. Then they look away and start looking for food. No fine. No worries.

For the second day in a row the number of covid19 cases has gone up in Scotland. This is a crucial period. Already there are fears for a second wave in October or November. I think if that does happen we may look back at this period in particular as a key factor in that. I hope I am wrong though.