Shoppers required to wear face masks
Face masks become compulsory from 24 July
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Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24th July.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons on Tuesday that it would
"give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops".
The rules will be the same as those which currently apply on public transport in England, which means children under 11 and people with certain disabilities will be exempt.
Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100.
The new rule will not apply to retail staff.
Mr Hancock told the Commons:
"The death rate of sales and retail assistants is 75% higher amongst men and 60% higher amongst women than in the general population."
He added:
"There is also evidence that face coverings increase confidence in people to shop."
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