Face coverings in shops to be compulsory in England - but not for under 11s

Face coverings will have to be worn in shops and supermarkets in England from 24 July.

Children under 11, and people with certain medical conditions, won't have to wear them though.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously advised people to wear face coverings in shops but now this is to become the law, with police able to fine people up to £100 for breaking the new rules.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, the government's Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock said: "As a nation, we've made great strides in getting this virus, which has brought grief to so many, under control. We are not out of the woods yet so lets do our utmost to corner this virus and enjoy this summer safely."

Mr Hancock added that it was important to wear masks in shops to protect the people who work there.

"We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protection for those who work in shops. Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings," he said.

The new rule will mean England matches the rules in Scotland and other big European countries such as Spain, Italy and Germany.

Shoppers in Wales and Northern Ireland are not currently required to wear them, although both nations have said this will be kept under review - meaning they could change their rules too.

London Underground staff have been handing out face coverings

People in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland already have to wear a face covering on public transport, with Wales bringing in the same rule from 27 July.

Since May, the public have also been advised, but not ordered, to wear coverings in enclosed public spaces, where they may encounter people they would not usually meet.

Face coverings can limit spread of coronavirus because they make it harder for people with the virus to pass it on.

Face coverings don't mean you have to wear a medical mask. In its official advice, the government says: "A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head."