Refusing to wear a face mask now the rules have returned for people in England could see you hit with a £200 fine - rising up to £6,400 for repeat offenders.
Anyone visiting shops or using public transport from today (Tuesday, November 30) must wear a face covering, while isolation rules for international arrivals have returned until they receive a negative PCR test for Covid-19.
It comes after new powers were outlined by health secretary Sajid Javid on Monday in a regulation change tabled in the House of Commons on Monday, with the rule changes enforced from 4am on Tuesday to protect residents against the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.
Read more: Go here for the latest coronavirus updates and breaking Covid-19 news
As reported by Wales Online, it confirms reports that anyone refusing to wear a mask will be fined £200 for the first offence - but the charge will double for each subsequent offence, rising to £6,400 for a sixth offence.
However, the rules will not apply to the hospitality sector, meaning you won't need to wear a mask in restaurants, pubs, or at concerts or other events such as football matches.
The reintroduction of masks brings England more in line with the rules currently in place in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Full list of where face masks must be worn
- Shops
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Enclosed shopping centres
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Banks, building societies, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs
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Post Offices
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During driving tests and lessons
Full list of places where face coverings do not need to be worn
- Restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes
- Photography studios
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Premises (other than registered pharmacies) providing wholly or mainly medical or dental services, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractic, osteopathic, optometry or other medical services, including services relating to mental health
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