New guidance on masks is revealed
PEOPLE will need to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets under new regulations due to come into force in England today.
Face coverings will also be mandatory in railway stations and airports, while venues such as restaurants, pubs and gyms will be exempt.
In Wales, rules about wearing face coverings are a matter for the Welsh Government. On this side of the border, face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Monday, but there are currently no plans to extend the rule to shops.
By contrast, in England the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed it will be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to take away from cafes and shops, meaning that people will be required to wear one in the likes of Pret A Manger.
As well as shops and supermarkets, face coverings must be worn in banks, building societies and post offices under the regulations which are enforceable by the police.
Wearing a face covering will not be made mandatory in other venues including eatin restaurants and pubs, hairdressers and other treatment salons, gyms and leisure centres, cinemas, concert halls and theatres.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “As we move into the next stage of easing restrictions for the public, it is vital we continue to shop safely so that we can make the most of our fantastic retail industry this summer.
“Everyone must play their part in fighting this virus by following this new guidance.
“I also want to thank the British public for all the sacrifices they are making to help keep this country safe.”
The same exemptions as for public transport will apply, with children under 11 and people with breathing problems not required to wear a covering.
Anyone who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability is also exempt.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters yesterday: “You’ve seen over the course of recent months the British public have voluntarily chosen to follow the guidance.
“That’s because they want to help slow the spread of the virus and I’m sure that will be the case with face coverings as well.
“With shops, we would expect them to give advice to customers and remind them that they should be wearing a face covering and I’m sure the overwhelming majority of the public will do so.”
Those not wearing their masks properly over both mouth and nose will be “advised as to the right and safest way to wear a face mask” rather than be immediately fined up to £100 for non-compliance, said the Number 10 spokesman.