london face coverings must be worn in shops supermarkets indoor shopping centres and transport hubs such as train stations and airports in england from friday as part of the next stage of the uk governments official guidance to curb the spread of coronavirus under the new regulations members of the public will need to wear face coverings such as a fabric covering scarf or bandana that cover the nose and mouth in additional enclosed public spaces as announced by uk prime minister boris johnson earlier this month it will be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to takeaway from cafes and shops if you are in a premises where you are able to sit down and consume food or drink that you have bought then you can remove your face covering in order to eat and drink on site said the uk department of health and social care dhsc face coverings will not be mandatory for anyone under the age of 11 those with disabilities or certain health conditions such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering there is evidence to suggest that when used correctly face coverings may reduce the likelihood of someone with the infection passing it on to others particularly if they are asymptomatic the dhsc said as we move into the next stage of easing restrictions for the public it is vital we continue to shop safely so that we can make the most of our fantastic retail industry this summer said uk health secretary matt hancock everyone must play their part in fighting this virus by following this new guidance i also want to thank the british public for all the sacrifices they are making to help keep this country safe he said he said businesses are encouraged to take reasonable steps to encourage customers to follow the law including through signs and providing other information in store wearing a face covering will not be made mandatory in other venues that have measures in place to protect staff and the public from covid19 including eatin restaurants and pubs hairdressers and other treatment salons gyms and leisure centres cinemas concert halls and theatres for transport hubs in england the requirements mean face coverings must be worn in indoor train stations and terminals airports maritime ports and indoor bus and coach stations or terminals anyone who doesnt abide by the regulations and is not exempt under one of the categories set out in the regulations could face a fine by the police of up to gbp 100 as is currently the case on public transport in most parts of the uk the police say they have been very clear throughout the pandemic that they will engage explain encourage and finally enforce as a last resort people wearing face coverings are still strongly advised to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before putting one on or taking