Pharmacies could refuse entry to customers without face masks from July 24

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that face coverings in public will be mandatory from July 24.

Those who fail to comply may be refused entry to shops and could face a fine of up to £100. The rule is applicable to all retail settings including community pharmacies.

Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, Hancock said the measure will protect shop workers and give people more confidence to shop safely.

"Sales assistants, cashiers and security guards have suffered disproportionately in this crisis. The death rate of sales and retail assistants is 75 per cent higher amongst men and 60 per cent higher amongst women than in the general population," he said.

The police have the formal enforcement powers and can issue a fine. The shop can refuse entry to someone not wearing a face covering and can call the police if someone fails to comply.

In Scotland, which has its own powers over public health, it is already compulsory to wear face coverings inside shops.

The British Retail Consortium said face coverings, together with other social distancing measures, can make shoppers feel even more confident about returning to the high street.