Scots ordered to wear face coverings in ALL shops from July 10, Nicola Sturgeon says
SCOTS will be ordered to wear face coverings in ALL shops from July 10, Nicola Sturgeon said today.
The First Minister said today that people should not wait to implement the guidance, and should start using them as soon as possible.
She told her lunchtime media conference that masks were needed “because we usually don’t know the people we have been in contact with”.
In such circumstances a face covering “provides an additional layer of protection”, she added.
There is not yet confirmation about whether this will mean there will be a fine for those who disobey the rules, or if the law will be changed.
The First Minister stressed: “This is a really important way for all of us to protect each other and to display that sense of solidarity that has served the country so well over these last few months.
“Face coverings in shops will be compulsory from the end of next week but please don’t wait until then, get into the habit now.”
But England won’t follow suit, No10 announced.
A No10 spokesperson said this lunchtime: “We made face coverings mandatory on public transport because you are spending significantly amounts of time on closer proximity to people.
“In shops you will be closer to people for a shorter period of time and then have the ability to leave a shop.
“If you do feel it is necessary to wear a mask in a retail setting you should do so.”
The PM’s spokesperson said there was no review of this at the moment, but that ministers would constantly assess any guidance or advice.
Masks are already compulsory on public transport for people across the UK, as ministers believe that it’s more of a risk.
They can be fined £100 if they don’t comply – but Transport for London hasn’t yet been enforcing this.
Earlier today the Transport Secretary announced he had signed powers for TfL to tighten up the rules.
He told the House of Commons: “According to the Office for National Statistics, on the week of 26 June, it looks like 86% compliance was in existence.
“We did say that in the early days we would ensure compliance was enforced gently, but I inform the House that TfL, Network Rail and British Transport police will be tightening up on that.
“I have just signed the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings on Public Transport) (England) Regulations 2020, which under regulation 8 give powers to TfL to increase enforcement.”
Brits are advised to wear on when they can’t keep 2m apart or are in an enclosed space.