Me and my mask: Mid Sussex Times readers share photos as face coverings to become mandatory

So if this is the new normal, it seems we might as well get better acquainted with these pieces of fabric. We invited Middy readers to share pictures of them wearing their masks – and their views on the face coverings.

Alexandra Grace sent in hers and said: “I ordered our masks from a lady making them on a local Facebook page. My daughter is five and loves her special bambi mask! She is more than happy to wear it around the shops and in town and always reminds me to put them in the wash afterwards.”

Ann Duke also commented: “I really don’t know where to begin, it’s been a hell of a journey since lockdown.

“My advice – just use them correctly. PPE is a serious matter, it has taken a toll on a lot of us on the frontline and it’s not over yet unfortunately.”

Reporter Joe Stack, based in Chichester, said of his chic homemade accessory: “I’ve got a few, which means I can colour coordinate and that makes it feel like an accessory rather than just a mask.

“It’s not so tight-fitting that it’s impenetrable, but with social distancing I feel comfortable spending time around strangers when I’m wearing it.”

Reporter Ginny Sanderson, based in Eastbourne, talks about her orange and flowery facial covering: “When the pandemic started my mum had already bought masks for the whole family from a dog groomer friend. It turns out dog groomers are incredibly resourceful.

“It takes a little getting used to – I haven’t mastered the best way to stop my glasses steaming up, and make up is a hilarious fail – but of course it is worth it.

“Any mild annoyance from wearing a mask pales into insignificance when you think about how wearing it is an act of protecting others.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

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 newspapers.

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.

Stay safe, and best wishes.