UK Government Set To Make It Compulsory To Wear Face Masks In Shops In England

The UK government is set to announce a rule making it compulsory to wear masks in shops in England.

A spokesman for Downing Street said on Monday afternoon that a formal review was underway to discuss whether masks should be made mandatory in public places in England.

He said there is further evidence about the 'benefits of face coverings in some environments indoors'.

The Prime Minister first suggested that the new rule would be put into place when he visited the London Ambulance Service on Monday morning (13 July).

He said: "They have a great deal of value in confined spaces where you're coming into contact with people you don't normally meet.

"The scientific evaluation of face coverings and their importance on stopping aerosol droplets, that's been growing, so I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering if you're going to be in a confined space and you want to protect other people and receive protection in turn."

The PM said that he thinks people 'should be wearing [face coverings] in shops'.

He added: "In terms of how we do that - whether we will be making that mandatory or not - we will be looking at the guidance, we will be saying a little bit more in the next few days."

People caught doing the wrong thing will be fined £100, which will be reduced to £50 if they pay within 14 days.

The move brings England in line with Scotland and other places like Spain, Italy and Germany.