Lancaster shopping centre hopes mandatory face coverings will encourage more people back to the high street
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The government announced this week that wearing face coverings in shops and supermarkets is to be made mandatory in England in a fresh move to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said anyone failing to comply with the order – which comes into force on Friday, July 24 – could face a fine of up to £100.
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Hide AdThe move followed a weekend of confusion over whether ministers intended to make face coverings compulsory after Boris Johnson said they were looking at “stricter” rules.
Lancaster Police said it is awaiting guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council on how they will enforce the order.
Lancaster BID, which represents businesses in the city centre, said it would be exploring options and ideas with businesses and customers over the coming days.
Many Lancaster shops re-opened on June 15 following the easing of lockdown restrictions, but up until now, people have been able to enter shops without wearing a face covering.
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Hide AdWhilst shopping centres say they hope the move will encourage more people back to the shops, some shoppers said they wouldn't be rushing back.
One Lancaster shopper, who did not wish to be named, said: "This move will put me off shopping in person and I think I'll be staying away and shopping online where I can."
Julie Murphy, centre manager at Marketgate Shopping Centre, said: "The government’s decision to require customers to wear face coverings in shops from 24th July has been widely expected.
"Hopefully this precautionary measure will make people feel safe in a shopping environment knowing that their fellow shoppers are taking precautions to stop the spread of the virus, and will encourage more people back to the shops.
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Hide Ad"Marketgate has and will continue to comply with government guidelines and regulations and the safety of our customers and staff is of paramount importance to us.
"We look forward to welcoming more customers back to the centre as we all continue to emerge from lockdown."
The Government has been urging people to wear face coverings in confined spaces such as shops since early May and they have already been made compulsory on public transport in England since mid-June.
Face coverings will not, however, be mandatory in pubs and restaurants.
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Hide AdThe regulations will be made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, with a maximum fine of £100 – reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days, and enforcement will be the responsibility of the police.
While shop workers will be asked to encourage compliance, retailers and businesses will not be expected to enforce them.
As is the case on public transport, children under 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt.