Coronavirus: UK in U-turn as it makes masks compulsory in shops and supermarkets

Name: How to properly remove and discard face masks to reduce the risk of infection
Uploaded: 2020-07-14T15:09:43.000Z
Duration: 2 min 38 s
Description: How to properly remove and discard face masks to reduce the risk of infection

The new legislation will come into force on July 24 with US$123 fine for non-compliance; enforcement will be carried out by the police

Some Londoners said the rule would provide reassurance and protection but expressed concern about enforcement

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Britain’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Photo: Reuters

Agence France-Presse

Published: 11:09pm, 14 Jul 2020Updated: 4:25am, 15 Jul 2020

Face masks will become compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England from next week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday, marking a U-turn on previous policy.

The new legislation will come into force in England on July 24, Hancock told parliament after weeks of wrangling from ministers about their effectiveness.

“We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops,” Hancock told MPs. “Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings.”

The move was pre-empted by an overnight announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office. Johnson, who spent several days battling Covid-19 in intensive care, said the measure was “extra insurance” against the spread of the virus.

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How to properly remove and discard face masks to reduce the risk of infection

“I do think in shops it’s very important to wear a face covering if you’re going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection,” he said on Monday.