New rules come into force tomorrow that makes it compulsory to wear a face mask in shops and supermarkets.
And you could land a £100 fine if you don't comply, the government has announced.
But as pubs, cafes, and restaurants reopened earlier this month, does it mean that the new mandatory measure applies in these settings?
There was some confusion over whether a mask is needed in takeaways after Michael Gove was pictured in sandwich shop, Pret A Manger, without a mask.
Health Secretary Mr Hancock told Sky News: “You do need to wear a face mask in Pret because Pret is a shop.
“If there’s table service, it is not necessary to have a mask.
"But in any shop, you do need a mask. So, if you’re going up to the counter in Pret to buy takeaway that is a shop … but if you go to your local pub you can’t go to the bar.”
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesman later gave an alternative explanation.
“My understanding is that it wouldn’t be mandatory if you went in, for example, to a sandwich shop in order to get a takeaway to wear a face covering,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Brandon Lewis backed up Mr Hancock's stance this morning, insisting it was 'clear, good common sense'.
He told Sky News: "If you’re going in to buy a takeaway, and leaving again, you’re treating it like a shop - and you should be wearing a face mask.”
But he reiterated that people sitting down to eat in a takeaway 'obviously... wouldn’t be wearing a face mask because you’re eating'.
On the government's online guidance, it only states that face masks are required on public transport, and in shops and supermarkets from Friday July 24.
However it adds: "You are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet."
Therefore in short, you won't need to wear a mask in a pub, cafe, or restaurant. But it could be worth wearing one while queuing up to order before taking a seat to eat or drink.
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