Stickers placed around Chesterfield urging people not to wear face coverings

The stickers have been spotted by residents across the town since it became law for people to wear a face covering in England’s shops on July 24 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

MORE: Calls to save ‘vital’ facility in Derbyshire town amid closure fears

One of them, stuck to a lamppost on St Mark’s Road, says ‘don’t wear masks, you’ll look stupid, like a sheep’. Above it was a fake picture of sheep wearing face masks.

Another – placed on a sign urging people to maintain social distancing at Chesterfield Canal – reads ‘don’t be scared, think for yourself, fight the lies’.

It is not known who is behind the stickers.

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital told the Derbyshire Times: “We support the wearing of face coverings in places where social distancing can be difficult.

“They are intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main sources of infection spread.

“If you are unknowingly carrying Covid-19 your face covering will reduce the possibility of you passing it on to someone else.

“These don’t have to be surgical face masks that hospital staff wear – and we provide these to patients if they are required during treatment.

“You can buy reusable coverings or use something like a scarf, bandana, religious garment or a hand-made cloth version.

“As long as your face covering fits securely over your nose and mouth and around the side of the face you are protecting others.

“We are really pleased that people coming to our hospital are following recommended advice by wearing their own face coverings and using our hand hygiene stations to help prevent the spread of all infections.”

Commenting on the stickers, one Twitter user said: “I’ve seen a few different ones and it’s good to see people are tearing them down. I support our NHS. These idiots might need it soon.”

MORE: Chesterfield solar farm given green light for extension despite concerns

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor