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Johnson to move on face masks in shops

The UK government is set to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory in supermarkets and shops in England later this month.

There will be fines of £100 for those who do not comply, according to reports. The measure is already in force in Scotland. Face coverings have been mandatory on public transport in England since 15 June.

Mandatory

Environment Secretary George Eustice told the BBC the new mandatory rule for face coverings in shops does not apply to retail staff.

"It is about managing the overall risk," he added.

"Any type of covering will be sufficient for this purpose."

UK prime minister Boris Johnson said last night (13 July) that evidence on the effectiveness of wearing masks in public spaces “has been growing”.

He had been coming under pressure to bring England in line with Scotland’s tougher guidance on the issue.