The government has said that wearing a face covering is mandatory from 24 July in shops and supermarkets in England. Failing to do so will result in a fine of up to £100. This does not include Northern Ireland and Wales.
Retail staff, those with severe disabilities and children under 11 are exempt from this.
Many have questioned why this will come into force so late, however, the Environmental Secretary George Eustice said on BBC breakfast that this was to allow people to prepare for it. Many have supported the move, yet many question the time it has taken for the government to do this. It is a complete U-Turn on previous statements from the PM, as well as other members of the government, such as Micheal Gove. He states that he didn’t think face masks needed to be made mandatory on Sunday. Another MP, Desmond Swayne, also spoke out about the move today, saying that it made it less likely to go shopping. This suggests the Conservative government is not united on this front, as well as that certain MPs are unable to face the facts: face masks are needed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Written by Anna Male
Artwork by Zara Masood
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