The wearing of the mask in stores and supermarkets in England will be compulsory from July 24 to combat the risk of a resumption of the epidemic of new coronavirus, announced Monday evening the British government. Violators will face a fine of up to 100 pounds sterling (110 euros). Such a penalty is already provided for travelers who have not worn a mask on public transport since June 15. Before that, wearing a mask was only recommended in enclosed public spaces.
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"There is growing evidence that wearing a mask in an enclosed space helps protect" from the coronavirus, said a spokesman for Downing Street. Wearing a mask in stores is already compulsory, particularly in Scotland and in several European countries.
The hardest hit country in Europe with nearly 45,000 dead, the United Kingdom has lifted most of the restrictions introduced since March 23 to combat the spread of the virus, but different regions of the United Kingdom have adopted different timetables for relax restrictions.