FACE masks are once again required in shops which means a number of changes for Brits this week.
You’ll need to pop one on when you visit the supermarket for your weekly shop as the new rule has been introduced today.
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A host of new covid measures have come in today, with one requiring everyone in England to wear a face covering when shopping indoors.
Anyone who doesn’t follow the new rules could be met with a fine of up to £6,400 too.
The measure was already in place for most of the pandemic, but was removed in July this year as restrictions eased.
The tighter restrictions have come into force as the government looks to contain the spread of new variant Omicron.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to encourage Brits to get their boosters this afternoon, but already shops and other businesses are rolling out the new agendas in an effort to slow the rising cases.
Sainsbury’s has introduced the face mask rules in its own stores in line with the government guidance, that means workers and shoppers have to wear a face covering inside the store, unless they are exempt.
What changes are Sainsbury’s introducing?
This week, Sainsbury’s is looking to put up all new signs and posters in every store to remind everyone inside.
Plus, they are posting greeters and security guards at the front of supermarkets to help everyone get used to the new rules.
The store is also thoroughly cleaning trollies, baskets and checkouts as well as increasing the fresh air circulating so areas are well-ventilated.
Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts said: “We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe this festive season – thank you for your ongoing support.”
What other rules do I need to consider?
While Brits are now expected to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport, they’re not required in pubs and restaurants currently.
After the first lockdowns, masks were required whenever you left your seat at the hospitality venues, but no new restrictions have been put in place this time around.
Amongst the confusion of where you do and don’t have to wear a mask, there are three other surprising places that are enforcing the policy.
We still have to wear masks in takeaways, for driving lessons, and in tattoo and piercing parlours.
There’s new rules for British jetsetters too as they have to take PCR tests, as the news comes that ten more countries were also placed on the UK’s red list.
Boris Johnson says ‘there’s no doubt at all’ everyone can rise to the challenge and increase the vaccine rollout to tackle the Omicron variant
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