The Government has announced it will soon be mandatory to wear a face covering in supermarkets and other shops in England. People who do not obey the new rules, which come into force in England on July 24, will face fines. The Government has changed its stance since Michael Gove said over the weekend that the public could be trusted to use their "common sense" in choosing whether to cover their nose and mouth. As of July 24, you must have your nose and mouth covered when you go shopping or risk a £100 fine - reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days. It will be up to police to hand out penalties and not business owners or shop workers, although they are being asked to encourage customers to comply. The regulations will be made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. Does everyone have to wear a face covering in public in England now? There are a few exceptions to the new rules about face coverings in shops, for: It adds to the list of places we have to be covered up which currently includes all public transport as well as all hospital visitors and outpatients in England. Official guidance says people in England should also wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible. A version of this story was originally published on our sister title The Star
