Face Masks To Become Mandatory On Public Transport In England From 15 June

Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the coverings do not need to be of surgical quality, but could be coverings that people could make at home.

He said people could be refused travel if they don't wear them and could face fines.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously hinted at the importance of face coverings when coming out of lockdown.

Speaking in April, he said: "As part of coming out of the lockdown, I do think that face coverings will be useful both for epidemiological reasons but also for giving people confidence that they can go back to work."

Meanwhile, the latest figures show the UK death toll has climbed by 176, taking the total death toll to 39,904. There were also 1,805 new positive cases of Covid-19, taking the total to 281,661.

Speaking at yesterday's daily briefing (Wednesday 3 June), Johnson urged people not to gather indoors now the hot weather has passed.

He said: "As the weather threatens to take a turn for the worse, some of you may be tempted to move the gatherings as you've been enjoying outdoors, indoors, out of the rain. I really urge you - don't do that.

"The risks of passing on the virus are significantly higher indoors which is why gatherings inside other people's homes are still prohibited.

"Breaking these rules now could undermine and reverse all the progress that we've made together."

The prime minister could have to self-isolate having held a meeting with business secretary Alok Sharma, who is now self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms.

"He did attend a meeting in Number 10, which took place before Cabinet. That was a discussion on the economy and in terms of who was present, it was the prime minister, the chancellor and the business secretary."