People visiting shops and supermarkets will be made to wear face masks in the latest move to stop the spread of coronavirus.
In a statement this morning, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will say anyone failing to comply with the order – which comes into force on 24 July – could face a fine of up to £100.
The move follows a weekend of confusion over whether ministers intended to make face coverings compulsory after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said they were looking at “stricter” rules.
Ahead of Hancock’s announcement today, a No 10 spokesman said: “There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus. The Prime Minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from 24 July.”
The move will bring England into line with Scotland, where face coverings are already mandatory in shops.
