Government urges public not to report people for not wearing face masks in shops

Face coverings will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets from Friday.

Under the new rules, people will need to have their nose and mouth covered or face a fine of up to £100.

But Downing Street has confirmed it does not expect members of the public to report those who were not wearing masks in shops from Friday.

This is due to voluntary take-up of the policy.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: "You've seen over the course of recent months the British public have voluntarily chosen to follow the guidance because they want to help slow the spread of the virus and I'm sure that will be the case with face coverings as well.

"With shops, we would expect them to give advice to customers and remind them that they should be wearing a face covering and I'm sure the overwhelming majority of the public will do so."

Those not wearing their masks properly over both mouth and nose will be "advised as to the right and safest way to wear a face mask" rather than be immediately fined up to £100 for non-compliance, said the Number 10 spokesman.

"That would be the sensible approach," he said.