Face coverings will become compulsory for store workers in England from September 24, the prime minister has announced.
While addressing Members of Parliament in the House of Commons earlier today (September 22), Boris Johnson announced the decision in a further attempt to combat the increase in Covid-19 cases across England.
The news comes as the Covid-19 alert level across the UK was raised from Level 3 to Level 4 for the first time since June.
It is currently unclear which staff will be exempt from wearing face coverings due to medical reasons.
The penalty for customers who do not wear a face covering in stores – and are not exempt from the rule – will also be doubled to £200.
The £10,000 fine for those who fail to quarantine will also apply to businesses and it is now a legal obligation for retailers to follow the government’s Covid-secure guidelines.
NFRN National President Stuart Reddish said: “Following the prime minister’s announcement earlier today, retail workers in England will be required to wear face coverings from September 24.
“We have encouraged our members to wear face coverings within their stores since they became mandatory for customers in July, in order to encourage customers to comply with the legislation.
“Although the new legislation may cause some inconvenience to store workers, it is in everyone’s best interest to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.”
The prime minister stated that further detail on the measures announced would be provided later today.