Watford’s Mayor has urged people to “consider others” by following new rules for shoppers to wear face coverings in England.

The government is making it mandatory for people to wear a face mask in shops and supermarkets across the country from Friday in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs that face coverings would help give people "more confidence to shop safely" and help protect staff.

intu Watford has already said that anyone visiting the shopping centre, whether to work or shop, must wear a face covering when walking around the centre.

Watford Observer:

People who are not wearing one will be refused entry or asked to leave.

Read more - Shopping centre says it will turn away customers not wearing masks

Ahead of the rules being implemented tomorrow, Watford Mayor Peter Taylor urged people in the town to follow the new law.

Watford Observer:

Mayor Peter Taylor

He said: “When you’re out and about supporting our local businesses please stay safe and consider others by following the new rules and advice about face coverings. To make sure you’re prepared, it’s handy to always have a face covering on you in case you need it.

“It’s also important that we all remember that face coverings are not an alternative to social distancing, good hand washing and good hygiene. I'm really grateful to everyone in our town who has been continuing to stay safe and support our local businesses.”

Tim Hutchings, Executive Member for Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, also urged residents to “play their part and wear face coverings whenever they are in shops”.

He said: “Homemade, fabric face coverings can help reduce the spread of the virus from people who are contagious but don’t realise it because they don’t have symptoms.

“They can be washed and re-used, are easy and cheap to make and are readily available to buy in the shops or online.

“However, if you know, or suspect that you have COVID-19, you and your household must not go out and about.

“Stay at home and arrange to get tested with either a postal test or at a drive-through test centre. If your test result shows that you have COVID-19, you and the people you live with must all stay at home and self-isolate, in line with NHS guidance.”

Under the new law, shop workers themselves will not have to wear face coverings at work.

Others who are exempt from the rules include children under 11, people with breathing problems and anyone who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability.

Those who are not exempt but fail to wear a mask will face a fine of up to £100 which will be enforced by police.