Masks ‘must be worn in shops’

FACE masks will be compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England from next week, the government said on Tuesday (14), in a U-turn on previous policy.

The new legislation will come into force in England next Friday (24), after weeks of wrangling from ministers about their effectiveness.

“The prime minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24,” Boris Johnson’s office said.

People who fail to cover their face risk a fine of up to £100 with enforcement to be carried out by the police.

Johnson on Monday (13) said the measure was “extra insurance” against the spread of the virus. “I do think in shops it’s very important to wear a face covering if you’re going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection,” he said.

The prime minister has been pictured recently wearing a blue facemask bought for £2 from a high-street bargain store.

But his senior cabinet colleague, Michael Gove, last Sunday (12) appeared to rule out the compulsory wearing of facemasks, saying ministers trusted people’s “good sense”.

Face masks have been mandatory on public transport across the country since June 15, and Scotland has already made the coverings compulsory for shoppers.

But there are already concerns from the police who have called it “nigh on enforceable”.

“Shopkeepers need to step up to the plate and take some responsibility,” said Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation. “They can quite easily put signs up on their doors ‘No mask on, no entry, this is private property’.”

Opposition parties have also accused the government of dithering on the issue, with Labour’s Ben Bradshaw calling the government’s approach “a total shambles”.