What is the fine for not wearing a face mask? How much you’ll have to pay if you don’t wear a face covering in shops and public transport in England

Face masks are now mandatory to wear on public transport and in shops
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Face masks are now compulsory in shops and on public transport in England, with this rule being enforced by police, who have the power to fine you if you don’t have a good reason for going without a face covering. But how much could flouting the rules cost you?

Here’s everything you need to know.

How much will I get fined if I don’t wear a face mask in shops or public transport?

Boris Johnson announced on 12 July that face masks will become mandatory to wear in shops in England, from Friday 24 July (Photo: Shutterstock)Boris Johnson announced on 12 July that face masks will become mandatory to wear in shops in England, from Friday 24 July (Photo: Shutterstock)
Boris Johnson announced on 12 July that face masks will become mandatory to wear in shops in England, from Friday 24 July (Photo: Shutterstock)
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Shoppers and those travelling on public transport now have to wear face coverings, unless exempt from doing do.

The wearing of face masks has now become the law, and regulations will be made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, which is the same law used as the basis for many lockdown restrictions.

Enforcement will be carried out by the police, as Downing Street has said that, although shop employees should encourage compliance with the rules, they will not be expected to enforce the policy.

Those who break face mask rules in England and repeatedly refuse to wear them will receive increased fines of up to £3,200, it has been announced.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the increase of fines as he announced further changes to the easing of lockdown restrictions in England, including the reopening of casinos and bowling alleys.

Currently, those who refuse to wear a face covering in places where it is required face a fine of £100. This can be reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.

However, under the new measures, the penalty will double for each subsequent offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

Organisers of illegal gatherings of more than 30 people (including raves) could face a penalty of up to £10,000.

Where do I need to wear a face mask?

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Face masks became compulsory to wear on public transport on 15 June and are now mandatory for shoppers to wear in shops in England, including clothing stores and supermarkets. They also became mandatory in other establishments, including hairdressers, museums and in cinemas from 8 August.

In Scotland, face coverings became compulsory on public transport on 22 June and in shops on 10 July.

In Northern Ireland, face coverings became mandatory on public transport on 10 July, and the same rule will apply in Wales from 27 July.

However, wearing a face covering doesn’t mean that social distancing and hygiene measures shouldn’t be carried out.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) explains, “Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against Covid-19.

“You should also maintain a minimum physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, frequently clean your hands and avoid touching your face and mask.”

Who is exempt?

Government guidance states that you do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to do so. This includes:

young children under the age of 11 not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, or impairment, or disability if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress if you are travelling with, or providing assistance, to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you to eat or drink, but only if you need to to take medication if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

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It is also not compulsory for shop or supermarket staff to wear face coverings, but it is recommended where appropriate and where other mitigating measures are not in place, such as screens or visors.

What type of face covering do I need to wear?

The law defines a face "covering", which can be a piece of cloth - it doesn’t have to be a surgical mask. However, the face covering must cover your nose and mouth.