Kate Ford has revealed her OCD means she’s happy to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic.
The ‘Coronation Street’ actress – who has played Tracy Barlow on and off since 2002 – has opened up about living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and admitted she doesn’t want to "unwittingly cause physical harm" to anyone, so she is happy to don a face covering, which is now compulsory in enclosed public spaces across England.
She tweeted: "I genuinely respect that anxiety presents in many ways.
"I have ocd and the idea that I may unwittingly cause physical harm to another has haunted me for as long as I can remember.
"That it why I will be wearing my mask x (sic)"
Under the new rules – which came into play on Friday (24.07.20) – face coverings over the nose and mouth must be worn in shops, supermarkets, building societies, banks, takeaways and post offices across England.
The coverings – which are intended to protect other people against the spread of COVID-19 – must also be worn on public transport and at airports.
Not doing so could result in a fine of up to £100, which could be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Kate’s ‘Corrie’ co-star Simon Gregson – who plays her on-screen husband Steve McDonald – also weighed in and agreed with her stance on the situation.
He wrote: "I don’t understand why anyone makes a fuss. It’s a bloody mask.
"Put it on, do your shopping, go home, take it off. What’s the problem? (sic)"
Kate previously admitted she finds it "difficult to cope" when people take a sneaky snap of her or film some footage without speaking to her first.
The soap star wrote: "Please please can people ask to take a photo or video of me please, I find it so difficult to cope with when people do this without asking. I always oblige when asked x (sic)"