The government has introduced new Covid restrictions to try and stop the Omicron variant.
Known as 'Plan B', Covid passes are to be introduced, working from home and more places people are reqired to wear a mask from Friday.
Mask-wearing had already been introduced again for a range of outlets, such as on public transport and in shops.
Those who do not comply with the mandatory Covid-19 regulations put in place by prime minister Boris Johnson's government, and are not officially exempt from wearing masks, could face fines.
Early indications are unclear, but it is believed that the Omicron variant could be more transmissible and may put the NHS under strain.
Boris Johnson's government and health secretary Sajid Javid have remained cautious, worried that mass infections would overwhelm the NHS.
So what fines can you expect?
How much can you be fined for not wearing a face mask in mandatory areas?
People who are not exempt from wearing a mask could face an initial fine of £200.
With every further offence, the fine is doubled and people could eventually end up with a maximum of £6,400.
Plenty of people are exempt and there are also certain scenarios, like medical emergencies, where masks are not required.
People who do not have to wear a mask must have a 'reasonable excuse'. This applies to following:
- Those with physical or mental impairments that mean they are either physically unable to put on a mask
- Non-medical emergencies where someone is moving away from danger into a zone where there are mask regulations in place
- If you are asked to remove it for identification purposes
- Medical exemptions, so if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or lung cancer
The full list of places you must wear mask
We were already required to wear masks in indoor venues such as on public transport and in shops. Nail salons, post offices and pharmacies also required the face coverings, but now these restrictions have been extended.
The full list is as follows:
Post offices
Shops and supermarkets
Train, coach and bus stations
Airports and aeroplanes
Public transport
- In a vehicle during a professionally delivered driving lesson or test
- Nail salons
- Barbers
- Tattoo and piercing studios
- When receiving a massage
- Pharmacies
- Vets
- Auction houses
- Galleries
- Takeaways
- Estate agents
- Solicitors and accountants
- Theatres
- Cinemas
- Places of worship
- Libraries
- Taxis
- Community centres
Concerts and nightclubs require Covid passes.
Do I have to wear a face mask at the pub?
It is not entirely clear yet, but there is some government guidance on the subject that suggests masks will not be required in hospitality settings.
It reads: "From Friday 10 December, face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship. There will be exemptions in venues where it is not practical to wear one, such as when you are eating, drinking or exercising."
"For that reason, face masks will not be required in hospitality settings."
The same rules applies to restaurants and gyms.
Who can stop you and fine you for not wearing a face mask?
The police and police community support officers can enforce the rules on people who do not comply with them, while transport operators can deny access to public transport services.
Local authority enforcement officers also have the powers to ask people to comply.
The government said: "Local authority enforcement officers can also use their enforcement powers against businesses for failing to display appropriate signage or breaching the prohibition against preventing someone from wearing a face covering."
The rules took effect on Tuesday, November 30 and since, the Metro reported that a crackdown on passengers on public transport had taken place.
152 people were fined £200 on day one of the new laws and a further 125 were kicked off London's Tube. Meanwhile, 127 passengers were denied entry to stations.
5,100 people were reminded to cover their faces by the staff of TFL.
