Coronation Street fans have slammed the soap after characters were spotted without face masks in Dev Alahan’s shop.
Viewers noticed the mishap during a scene on Monday’s (August 10) instalment of the ITV show.
During the episode, Sally Metcalfe and Alya Nazir were speaking about Alya’s grandmother, Yasmeen, as they stood next to social distancing signs.
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However, the characters failed to wear face coverings – leaving viewers furious.
Wearing a face mask in shops became mandatory in England from July 24.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “Has Coronation Street got a special concession from the Government on social distancing and the wearing of face masks?”
Another said: “I thought face masks were now compulsory in shops? Why are the people of Weatherfield above the law? Very irresponsible behaviour. They’ll be responsible for the second wave! #Corrie.”
Filmed before the new rules
A third stated: “Typical politician, breaking the rules she created.”
A fourth added: “Sally is gonna give us a second wave! I’m fumed!”
However, others were quick to point out that the soap was likely filmed before new guidelines were put in place.
“It said the programme was filmed in March, so not applicable,” a viewer wrote.
Meanwhile, a second agreed: “Corrie is filmed weeks before it became law. Also it’s fiction.”
ED! contacted Coronation Street for comment.
A spokesperson said: “The show is filmed a long time in advance of transmission so there is inevitably a time lag before any changes to Government legislation start to appear on screen.
“Also, there will be some instances where, in the interests of producing a drama that is engaging and our audience want to watch, we feel it is necessary for characters’ faces to be seen. Please note that all our scenes are filmed while maintaining a social distance of 2m between characters, even when on screen they may appear to be closer.”
sally is gonna give us a second wave! im fumed!
— (@crazyc0aster_) August 10, 2020
Typical politician, breaking the rules she created
— POP CULTURE ENTHUSIAST (@northernlawd) August 10, 2020
It said the programme was filmed in march so not applicable
— Simon (@Darren167) August 10, 2020
Sally’s coronavirus protection
Despite her lack of a face mask, Sally (played by Sally Dynevor) has certainly protected herself in other ways.
Over the last couple of weeks, it has become apparent that the coronavirus has hit the cobbles as residents have begun social distancing, wearing PPE and going into self-isolation.
In fact, Sally went all out by protecting herself by wearing a pair of yellow rubber washing-up gloves.
She was first spotted wearing them in Roy’s cafe, and later in the street while speaking to Geoff’s first wife, Elaine.
What’s in store for Sally?
During Monday’s episode, Sally suggested that Alya should buy Geoff out of Speed Daal and offered her the wedding money. She pointed out it was rightfully Yasmeen’s money anyway.
When Geoff refused to let Alya buy him out, she took delight in telling him Sally was giving her the money that he gave them for the wedding.
Read more: Coronation Street SPOILERS: Daniel realises he has feelings for Nicky?!
Sally later apologised to Tim for giving Alya the money without consulting him, but assured him they can still afford to have a wedding.
Later, Geoff turned nasty with Sally spitefully telling her that Tim will always chose him over her as blood is thicker than water.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm on ITV.
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