Face Covering Mandatory in Shops from 24th July

From the BBC: Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24 July and those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100, the government is to announce.

The move will bring England into line with Scotland and other major European nations like Spain, Italy and Germany. Since mid-May, the public have been advised to wear coverings in enclosed public spaces, where they may encounter people they would not usually meet. It has been compulsory on public transport in England since 15 June.

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

Environment Secretary George Eustice told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “With all of our laws there is an element of policing by consent and so we need the public to play their part and abide by the restrictions.”

The latest rules for shops will be enforced by the police, with anyone disregarding them at risk of a fine of up to £100. This will be reduced to £50 if people pay within 14 days.

While shop workers will be encouraged to prompt customers to comply, they will not be expected to enforce the rules.