Calls for PM to act on face cover in shops

BORIS Johnson was under mounting pressure last night to force people to wear face coverings in shops.

He has resisted calls so far despite admitting the evidence for such a move was growing.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said it should be voluntary, while trying to guilt-trip people into wearing them in shops.

Sources think a switch in the rules could be announced this week.

It comes as the UK’s Covid-19 death toll rose yesterday by 21 to 44,819.

Labour has called on Mr Johnson to make face coverings compulsory in shops in England – as they are on public transport.

Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Rachel Reeves told the BBC: “I think that would be a sensible way forward. People are increasingly wearing them but greater clarity from Government about that would be helpful.

“People want to do the right thing but they want to know what the right thing is.

“I think it would inspire greater confidence and might encourage more people to go out and spend money if they see more people wearing face masks in shops.”

Mr Gove stopped short of saying they should be compulsory, but claimed good manners