Face masks and coverings to be compulsory in shops in England

Defend+ Face Mask

The 24th of July will see face masks and coverings become compulsory in shops, supermarkets and other retail environments in England.

Until now, the public have only been advised to use face masks in various shops, except for use on public transport where it was previously mandatory since the 15th of June. This move brings England into line with Scotland and other European nations such as Italy, Spain and Germany.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that the use of face masks would “give more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops”. Mr Hancock also said that “the death rate of sales and retail assistants is 75% higher amongst men and 60% for women”, and that “sadly, sales assistants, cashiers and security guards have suffered disproportionately in this crisis”.

The government also announced that, the failure to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100. Children under 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt. The full list of exemptions has not yet been published, however if they are to be the same as on public transport, we can expect this to include people who cannot wear one “because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability”, and anyone “who would experience severe distress” from wearing a face mask.

The government has published their own official guidance on how to make a face covering. However it is still vitally important that shops, businesses and any retail outlet welcoming customers onto their premises has sufficient access to sanitisation services for their customers.

Defend+ Portable Hand Sanitiser
Example of one of our portable dispenser units, positioned at an entrance for easy access

Our Defend+ hand sanitiser provides a fully compliant sanitisation solution, which can be positioned at entrances and exits, behind bars, on railings, or even mounted to a wall. Available in different sizes, we have a range of different options to keep your site ‘Covid-secure’.

Send us a message today to find out more.

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