Face coverings to be enforceable by law next week as guidelines widened

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said face coverings in 'indoor settings where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet' will become enforceable by law.

Speaking at a press conference today, Boris Johnson said face coverings should now be worn in museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.

He said the law will become enforceable from August 8.

Boris Johnson said the country had made 'huge progress together' and he knows 'we are going to succeed'.

Boris Johnson GettyBoris Johnson Getty
Boris Johnson Getty
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However, the government may 'need to go further' if the country does not 'follow the rules and behave safely', the prime minister added.

Mr Johnson said: "We will also extend the requirement to wear a face covering to other indoor settings where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet, such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.

"We now recommend face coverings are worn in these settings, and this will become enforceable in law from August 8.

"At this stage, we are not changing the rules on social contact nationally. I don't want to tell people to spend less time with their friends. But unless people follow the rules and behave safely, we may need to go further.

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"Two weeks ago, I said we would hope for the best but plan for the worst.

"And of course we continue to hope for the best. The way to get there and to achieve that optimum outcome is if we all follow the rules, wash our hands, cover our faces, keep our distance - and get a test if we have symptoms, so that NHS Test and Trace can keep the virus under control.

"This is how we will avoid a return to full national lockdown.

"We've made huge progress together.

"I know we are going succeed and I know we are going to beat this - if each and every one of us plays our part."

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Thank you

Laura Collins