Sock man gets a face covering

Loughborough's Sock man statue has been fitted for a face mask to remind shoppers they must wear one from today.

People will also have to wear a mask, scarf or bandana that covers the nose and mouth in shopping centres and indoor transport hubs, like bus and train stations.

When it comes to buying food, the law will depend on where you're eating it.

Face coverings will not be mandatory in pubs and restaurants but they will be to order food from a cafe. If you are eating in, you will be allowed to remove the covering in the area dedicated to eat or drink what you've purchased.

Those who fail to follow the new law could be fined up to £100 - brought down to £50 if paid within fortnight.

Children under 11 and those with disabilities are exempt, and people can remove face coverings for valid reasons like being asked to do so in a bank or to prove their identity if buying age-restricted products.

Places where face coverings will remain discretionary include:

• Hairdressers and close contact services
• Eat-in restaurants, cafes and pubs. Face coverings will be required in cafes or take-away restaurants that do not provide table service, other than in designated seating areas.
• Entertainment venues, including cinemas, concert halls and theatres
• Visitor attractions (such as heritage sites or museums)
• Gyms and leisure centres

Wearing face coverings in shops is already mandatory in Scotland.