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 a 'last resort.'

The measures 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.'

Coverings will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces, including supermarkets, shops, indoor shopping centres, takeaways, public transport, banks and post offices.

The new rules will give police power 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.

Dorset Echo:

  • Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya says enforcement will be a final option

“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.

My hope is that everyone will be socially responsible and play their part in keeping our residents and many tourists in our region safe - Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya

“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.

Rules already include 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.

Are there any exemptions?

Yes. The rules do not apply to children under the age of 11, employees working in the business in question or public transport staff, police officers, other emergency workers and officials.

A reasonable excuse includes: where a person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of illness, impairment or disability; when accompanying someone who relies on lip reading; to avoid or escape harm or injury to themselves or others; in order to eat and drink or take medication.

How long will the rules be in force?

The rules must be reviewed by the Government within six months of the law being brought into force, which is January 24 2021.

Ultimately the law expires after a year unless the Government scraps it beforehand.