Woman with face mask coronavirus
Woman with face mask coronavirusiStock

The British government will mandate the wearing of face coverings in shops and supermarkets beginning next week in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The restrictions will take effect on July 24. Failure to comply will result in a fine of 100 pounds.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the measures would "give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops."

"The death rate of sales and retail assistants is 75% higher amongst men and 60% higher amongst women than in the general population," Hancock added.

The British government has mandated that all passengers of public transit wear facial masks since June 15.

Children under the age of 11 and people with certain disabilities will be exempt from the restrictions.