Southport shoppers must wear masks from 24th July

The government is set to confirm that face coverings are to become mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24th July.

But Environment Secretary George Eustice told Sky News the new rules would not apply to pubs and restaurants.

As of yesterday (Monday 13th July) there were no recorded Covid-19 deaths at any Merseyside hospital for 2 days. There have been 149 recorded Covid-19 deaths in Southport and Ormskirk hospitals.

Anyone caught without a facemask in a shop or supermarket will be required to pay a £100 fine, dropping to £50 if paid within 14 days. Children under the age of 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt.

Similiar measures are already in place in Scotland, where the use of coverings in shops has been madatory since 10th July, and other major European nations like Spain, Italy and Germany.

Shop staff will not be required to wear masks nor enforce the policy themselves but they will be asked to encourage shoppers to comply.

Eustice said the new delay between the announcement and policy coming into effect was to give people “time to prepare” but encouraged people to start wearing masks in shops and supermarkets immediately.