Coronavirus: Face masks and coverings to be compulsory in England's shops

Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24 July.

The government allowed non-essential stores to reopen on June 15 and it has been considering making face masks compulsory in line with Scotland, and some other European Union countries like Spain and Italy, both of which were hit hard by Covid-19.

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".

The move will bring England into line with Scotland and other major European nations like Spain, Italy and Germany.

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.

Mask-wearing has been compulsory on public transport in England and at NHS facilities across the UK since 15 June.

"A shop can refuse them entry and can call the police if they refuse to comply," Mr Hancock said.

Yesterday there were 530 new Covid-19 cases, down 90% since the peak of the U.K. health crisis. Just 11 deaths were also reported, the lowest figure since March 13. The Office of National Statistics says that total deaths are currently lower than usual for this time of year.

Ref: BBC, Forbes