Face masks will be mandatory in enclosed public spaces in England from Friday 24 Jul

From Friday 24 July, face coverings are mandatory in England in confined public places. New guidance on face masks and coverings issued for England

Complete guidance on wearing face coverings in shops in England has been released less than 12 hours before the new rules come into force.

Coverings will be mandatory in enclosed public spaces including supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, transport hubs, banks, and post offices.

Masks must also be worn when buying takeaway food and drink although they can be removed in a seating area. Those who break the rules could face a fine of up to £100. Children under 11  and those with disabilities or certain health conditions such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a mask are exempted. Although shop workers wearing masks is not compulsory, but the government said it strongly recommends that employers consider their use where appropriate.

After the Coronavirus pandemic outbreak, there has been considerable debate about whether wearing a face covering is effective in controlling the spread of the virus. In fact, wearing a face-covering do not protect the wearer but protect others. Face coverings shield the nose and mouth, which scientists now know are two sources of airborne transmission as Covid-19 can spread predominantly by droplets from coughs, sneezes, and speaking with tiny particles hanging in aerosol form in the air.

Police will have powers to enforce the rules, although forces have said this will be a last resort and officers will not be patrolling premises.

You are permitted to remove a face covering in certain scenarios, when asked to do so for identification purposes in banks or when buying age-restricted products.

Face coverings have been compulsory in shops in Scotland since 10 July, although shoppers are not currently required to wear them in Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Police Federation, which represents front-line officers, however, said they can’t spend their time patrolling thousands upon thousands of outlets. Police leaders, however, hope shop managers will refuse non-mask wearers entry –rather than turning to the police to solve the problem.

James Lowman, CEO of the Association of Convenience Stores said the body was advising its members to communicate advice on face coverings through posters and informal conversations rather than challenging customers who did not wear one.

Masks are already compulsory on public transport in England and Scotland as well as most buses, trains, and ferries in Northern Ireland. They will be mandatory on public transport in Wales from 27 July.