Face coverings become mandatory in all shops and retail premises in England today - and you could end up with a £100 fine if you refuse.

Dorset Police says it will take action, if necessary, should anyone refuse to comply with the new rules. The force has, however assured, this will be as a 'last resort.'

The measure will see all shops able to prevent entry to the premises to anyone not wearing a face covering, and members of the public are urged to be 'socially responsible.'

They will also see police given powers to issue a fixed a penalty notice to anyone who doesn't co-operate.

Dorset Police says it will be adopting an 'educate, engage and encourage approach' with enforcement as a final option.

Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “The Government has announced the change in order to further protect the public and those working in retail premises from being exposed to the pandemic.

“As lockdown measures ease there is a need for us all to be socially responsible. Everyone must play their part in reducing Covid risk and protecting each other as much as possible.

“Detailed guidance concerning the legislation is still to come, but Dorset Police will be adopting an approach similar to that already seen with face coverings being mandatory for those travelling on public transport.

“We will be engaging and educating the public and only using enforcement as a final option. I prefer to see engagement with the public rather than Dorset Police officers having to give a £100 fixed penalty notice to any member of the public for refusing to comply with the legislation.

"My hope is that everyone will be socially responsible and play their part in keeping our residents and many tourists in our region safe.”

Dorset Police has been talking to businesses and retailers throughout the last week to ensure support is given to the economy in the region as it continues to re-open following lockdown.

The force says visitor numbers across the region are seeing 'considerable increases' as the county’s shops and hospitality industry have reopened.

Ms de Reya added: “We must support our economy as it looks to restart and come together as communities at a critically important time for the tourist industry.

“But that needs to be done safely. Many of our businesses, particularly those in retail and hospitality, have taken extraordinary measures to increase safety to the public, wearing a face covering is the next step to reducing risk.

“Covid has not gone away and the responsibility for wearing a face covering sits with an individual.

“We know shops have already been managing customers effectively, so we hope everyone will adapt to the new measure and play their part in a creating a safer county for residents and tourists alike.”

The Government has been reluctant to enforce the wearing of face coverings, and its guidance states they do not protect the wearer but may protect others if people are infected but have not yet developed symptoms.

Face coverings are not the same as face masks. The Government has said coverings can be made from scarves, bandanas or other fabric items, as long as they cover the mouth and nose.

The public have been asked not to use medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) masks to ensure these remain available for frontline healthcare workers.

There are a few exceptions to the new rules about face coverings in shops – children under 11 and people with certain disabilities and breathing conditions will be exempt.

It adds to the list of places we have to be covered up which currently includes all public transport as well as all hospital visitors and outpatients in England.

Official guidance says people in England should also wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible.