Police officers in Sheffield to wear masks after Freedom Day

South Yorkshire Police said officers will continue to wear face coverings because of face-to-face contact they have with members of the public.

“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, our officers’ role is to enforce the law and not guidance,” the force said.

It added: “Our priority in the coming weeks is to manage infection control to ensure demand on the service is met.

“The nature of policing means officers are often in close contact with members of the public, are dealing with vulnerable people and going into different homes. That’s why we will continue, for now, with our current infection control measures, such as social distancing and use of face masks.”

Lockdown restrictions are all set to be lifted on Monday, July 19.

The wearing of masks, which has been mandatory in some settings, such as shops, will become voluntary.

People have been told to exercise their personal judgement.

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