Today, the Health Secretary will announce that wearing a face-covering will become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from 24 July, as we continue to control the virus and save lives. 

I realise for many that this measure will take some getting used to. We've all had to make changes to our lives over the last few months, and this new requirement is no different. As we come out of lockdown - so we can kick-start our economy by travelling further, by returning to shops and heading back to work - the wearing of face-coverings will be vital in protecting others, as well as ourselves. Our approach to coronavirus has always been guided by science, and there is growing evidence that wearing a face-covering in an enclosed space helps to stop the spread of the virus.

From 24 July, people will be required by law to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets and the police will be able to issue fines of up to £100 if people do not comply. As we continue to control the virus, it is imperative on all of us to continue taking these small steps that can help us restore our way of life, while restarting the economy, projecting jobs and saving lives.