'A small sacrifice to protect others': What do the new laws on face masks say?
Some shoppers are already comfortable wearing their masks - but what are the new rules around face coverings?
People in England now need to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets.
Face coverings are also mandatory in railway stations and airports, while venues such as restaurants, pubs and gyms are exempt.
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed it will be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to take away from cafes and shops, meaning that people will be required to wear one in the likes of Pret A Manger.
One shopper already used to covering her face is 27-year-old Rosie Haigh who made her superhero-themed covering herself.
Rosie, who works in an opticians, said she hoped fellow shoppers would start wearing them more often.
She has already made around 10 superhero themed masks for friends and family – including one for herself which has a Thor and Captain America design on.
Rosie, who lives in Willenhall, said: "I'm getting quite used to wearing a mask now. I think it's important to be wearing them – it's about us looking out for each other isn't it.
"I made this one myself – I'm quite a big superhero fan, especially Thor and Captain America. It's made of cotton and is quite light, so doesn't get hot."
She added: "I don't think the masks cause as much trouble as people think. They're not too hot – yes there are downfalls for people with glasses or similar but it's a small sacrifice to make to protect each other.
"I think from today, with the new law, there might be a bit of a problem in supermarkets if people don't have their masks but I think if it's Government advice then we all should be wearing them.
"I help look after my grandparents and I want to help protect other people their age.
"I also work in an opticians so have been wearing one at work a lot, so I feel used to it now."
Face covering Q&A
The key questions answered as the new laws which could see people who flout the rules get slapped with a fine come into force.
What has changed?
New laws called The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 have been published and will be brought into force on Friday.
– What does the law say?
No-one can go enter certain buildings like shops without a face covering – which covers your face and nose – unless they have a reasonable excuse.
Face coverings must be worn in: shops and shopping centres; banks; building societies; credit unions; short-term loan providers; savings clubs and currency exchange offices; anywhere that transmits money by cash or cheque; post offices.
A reasonable excuse includes: where a person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of physical or mental illness, impairment or disability; when accompanying someone who relies on lip reading; to avoid or escape harm or injury to themselves or others; in order to eat and drink or take medication.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes.
The rules do not apply to children under the age of 11, employees working in the business in question or public transport staff, police officers, other emergency workers and officials.
Premises which are exempt include: restaurants with table service and bars, including those in hotels or members’ clubs; pubs; libraries; law firms; medical and dental practices; vets; cinemas; theatres; museums and galleries; aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites; nightclubs; bingo halls; concert halls, public halls; conference centres; indoor fitness studios; gyms; leisure centres; indoor swimming pools; water parks; bowling alleys; funfairs; theme parks; amusement arcades; indoor soft play areas; indoor sports arenas; casinos; hotels; spas; beauty salons and hairdressers; tattoo and piercing parlours; storage centres; funeral directors; photography studios and auction houses.
What happens if I break the rules?
You can be told to put on a face covering or leave the premises by police or transport officers.
Police officers can escort someone from a building for refusing to follow the rules and can use reasonable force if necessary.
You could be fined £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, or even prosecuted.
How long will the rules be in force?
The rules must be reviewed by the Government within six months of the law being brought into force, which is January 24 2021.
Ultimately the law expires after a year unless the Government scraps it beforehand.
