£200 fines will be issued to people who refuse to wear a mask in shops or public transport
After months of Boris Johnson being told by some experts that he should not have removed the rule for wearing masks on public transport and in shops, he has now reintroduced it.
Boris Johnson has introduced the new face mask rules after more cases of the Omicron variant has been found in the UK.
The new face mask rule is the first step in trying to combat the spread of the new Omicron variant while the Government try to look at what other steps they can take
Anyone refusing to wear a mask in shops or on public transport will be fined £200. The new rule will start from 4am on Tuesday.
Those people who continue to ignore the rules could face fines running into thousands of pounds. Anyone caught without a face mask and pay their fine within 14 days will only have to pay £100
The new rule has been welcomed by many of those who work in supermarkets. We have spoken to shop floor staff in Broune, Skegness, Boston, Grantham, Scunthorpe, and Grimsby, and they were shocked when the face mask rule was removed.
Supermarket workers have told Lincolnshire News & Lifestyle that they are scared going to work with most of the customers not wearing face masks.
With the new rule, it will allow supermarket workers who work in a dangerous environment while the pandemic is in place to feel safer.
A Government statement said: “From 4am Tuesday 30 November face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from doing so.
“This update adds to the measures rapidly implemented earlier this week to prevent the spread of the new variant including travel restrictions and meaning all close contacts of anyone who has tested positive for the Omicron variant are required to isolate for 10 days regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.”