Face coverings become compulsory in England’s shops

Health secretary Matt Hancock is expected to confirm later that government guidance will be updated to make the wearing of face coverings in stores compulsory. The new rule does not apply to retail staff, children under 11, and those with certain disabilities.

A government spokesperson told ITV: “There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus.

“The prime minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from 24 July.”

The rule will be enforced by the police, and anyone disregarding the rule will be at risk of a fine of up to £100, which will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

In response, Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “It’s disappointing that this advice has been leaked and suggested over a few days, causing confusion among consumers and retailers, rather than through a clear briefing with formal guidance. We are pleased that the legal responsibility for enforcing this policy will rest with the police rather than shopworkers, but in reality it will be retailers and their colleagues trying to communicate and explain this to people with different views and approaches to complying with this policy.

“We have produced a poster for retailers and guidance for people working in shops, and we will work with the government, local enforcement and members to implement this successfully.”

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the news, but warns that it can only be effective alongside existing social distancing and hygiene procedures. Usdaw calls on the government to publish detailed guidance and safety procedures that are agreed with the union and retail employers.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “It is right to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory in shops, but we must recognise that expert advice says it is an additional protection on top of existing safety measures. There now must be clear and detailed guidance from the government and we urge them to work with Usdaw and retail employers to draw that up, as we successfully did on joint safety guidance for the reopening of high street retail with the British Retail Consortium.

“Usdaw is urging employers to stay with the established two-metre social distancing, using screens at tills and limiting the number of shoppers in store at any one time. Employers must also be aware that staff will need regular breaks when they can take their face covering off and have the opportunity to replace it. Staff on tills who are behind screens should not be required to wear a face covering.”

Lillis added: “We now need a public information campaign to explain the correct use of face coverings, that some people are exempt from wearing face coverings and the importance of maintaining existing social distancing and hygiene measures.”