Face masks are now compulsory in shops, supermarkets, banks and takeaway outlets under regulations which come into force today, July 24.

With 45,554 people killed by coronavirus so far, police have warned you could face a £100 fine for breaking the new rules, and will intervene 'as a last resort'.

Sadiq Khan has joined calls for people to ensure that Londoners do their bit.

In a tweet, the Mayor of London said: "IMPORTANT: From today, you must wear a face covering in places like shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets and supermarkets.

He added: "Through small actions like this, we can all play our part in stopping the spread of Covid-19."

Wandsworth Times:

Khan has been a strong advocate of face masks, and has repeatedly criticised the Government for its slow movement in implementing their use in shops and on public transport.

 

 

Police officers are urging shops to refuse entry to people not wearing face coverings, and have also warned they can hand out £100 fines to people in shops, shopping centres, banks, takeaways, post offices, sandwich shops and supermarkets in England who flout the rules.

He said: "It is our members who are expected to police what is a new way of living and I would urge retail outlets to play their part in making the rules crystal clear - if you are not wearing a face covering then you are not coming in.

"Officers will be there to help stores if needed - but only as a last resort, as we simply do not have the resources."

There are a number of places where it is still not compulsory to wear a face covering, but the Government still "strongly encourages" people to wear one in places where social distancing may become difficult.

Here's the breakdown of the new Legislation.

What has changed?

New laws called The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 have been published and will be brought into force on Friday.

What does the law say?

No-one can go enter certain buildings like shops without a face covering - which covers your face and nose - unless they have a reasonable excuse.

Face coverings must be worn in: shops and shopping centres; banks; building societies; credit unions; short-term loan providers; savings clubs and currency exchange offices; anywhere that transmits money by cash or cheque; post offices.

A reasonable excuse includes: where a person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of physical or mental illness, impairment or disability; when accompanying someone who relies on lip reading; to avoid or escape harm or injury to themselves or others; in order to eat and drink or take medication.

- Are there any exemptions?

Yes.

The rules do not apply to children under the age of 11, employees working in the business in question or public transport staff, police officers, other emergency workers and officials.

Premises which are exempt include: restaurants with table service and bars, including those in hotels or members' clubs; pubs; libraries; law firms; medical and dental practices; vets; cinemas; theatres; museums and galleries; aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites; nightclubs; bingo halls; concert halls, public halls; conference centres; indoor fitness studios; gyms; leisure centres; indoor swimming pools; water parks; bowling alleys; funfairs; theme parks; amusement arcades; indoor soft play areas; indoor sports arenas; casinos; hotels; spas; beauty salons and hairdressers; tattoo and piercing parlours; storage centres; funeral directors; photography studios and auction houses.

- What happens if I break the rules?

You can be told to put on a face covering or leave the premises by police or transport officers.

Police officers can escort someone from a building for refusing to follow the rules and can use reasonable force if necessary.

You could be fined £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, or even prosecuted.

- How long will the rules be in force?

The rules must be reviewed by the Government within six months of the law being brought into force, which is January 24 2021.

Ultimately the law expires after a year unless the Government scraps it beforehand.