Face coverings to become compulsory in England’s shops

Wearing face coverings in shops and supermarkets in England will become compulsory from Friday, July 24.

Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100, the government has announced.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it would ‘give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops’.

Since mid-May, members of the public have been advised to wear coverings in enclosed public spaces, where they may encounter people they would not usually meet.

Face coverings have been compulsory on public transport in England and at NHS facilities across the UK since June 15.

Children under 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt.

The new rule will not apply to retail staff.