Coronavirus: Shops can call police if customers don't wear face covering, Hancock says | ITV News

Shops can call police if people refuse to wear masks in retail stores once it becomes mandatory in England from next Friday, the health secretary has said.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Matt Hancock said the move would help protect workers and restore the confidence of shoppers.

He told MPs: “In recent weeks we have re-opened retail and footfall is rising.

“We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protection for those who work in shops.”

Mr Hancock also warned those who failed to listen to the law could be punished.