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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Ryan Paton

New Plan B face mask rules and where you now need to wear one

Boris Johnson has announced a raft of new restrictions to combat the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

The Prime Minister's stricter rules are a part of the government's Plan B which confirmed the introduction of vaccine passports and a new work from home policy.

Face masks had already been made compulsory in environments such as shops and public transport on November 28, but Mr Johnson said this will be a requirement in more venues from Friday.

READ MORE: All the new plan B rules when they will come in and how long they will last for

Speaking in a press conference from No 10, he said: "From this Friday we will extend the requirement to wear a face mask in most indoor venues including theatres and cinemas.

"There will be of course exceptions where it is not practical such as when eating, drinking, exercising or singing."

People who do not comply with the new requirements can be fined £200 for a first offence which will be reduced to £100 if you pay within two weeks. This will double for each repeat offence up to £6,400.

The exceptions of "eating, drinking, exercising or singing" means the new face covering rules will not apply to pubs, restaurants or gyms.

Under 12's are exempt from the new rules, as well as anyone who can't for medical reasons.

Staff and visitors in all schools and childcare settings are "strongly advised" to wear a mask in communal areas, as well as secondary school pupils.

We have rounded up everything you need to know about where you must wear a mask.

Where you must wear a mask from Friday

  • Theatres
  • Places of worship
  • Cinemas
  • Public libraries
  • Community premises

Where masks are already a legal requirement

  • Shops and supermarkets

  • Auction houses

  • Post offices and banks

  • Estate and letting agents

  • Hairdressers, tattoo studios and nail bars

  • Pharmacies

  • Vet surgeries

  • Retail galleries

  • Retail travel agents

  • Takeaways without space for consumption of food or drink on premises

  • Public transport

  • Taxis and private hire vehicles

  • Driving lessons and tests

  • Transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)

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