Coronavirus: Britons ‘should be wearing face masks in shops’, says Boris Johnson

Britons should be wearing masks in shops, with face coverings offering a “great deal of value” in controlling the spread of coronavirus, Boris Johnson has said.

The government has been criticised for offering mixed messages on face coverings, with it mandatory to wear one on public transport in England but not in shops.

But the prime minister on Monday signalled the guidance could change this week after he admitted there had been “growing” evidence of their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “What we’ve said for a while now is that we do think masks have a great deal of value – obviously they’re mandatory on public transport, on the Tube – but they have a great deal of value in confined spaces, where you’re coming into contact with people you don’t normally meet.

“What’s been interesting on the face coverings issue in the last few months is the scientific evaluation of face coverings and their importance in stopping aerosol droplets, that’s been growing.

“So, I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering, if you’re going to be in a confined space and you want to protect other people and to receive protection in turn.

Read more: Coronavirus: Britons ‘should be wearing face masks in shops’, says Boris Johnson