Fines increase for people refusing to wear face coverings - this is how much you could pay and where you must wear a mask

Currently, those who refuse to wear a face covering where it is mandatory – such as on public transport or in a shop – face a £100 fine. This could be reduced to £50 if paid within a fortnight.

But new measures announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday, August 13 revealed that the current penalty will double for subsequent offenders, and could reach a maximum of £3,200.

In England, face coverings must be worn in a number of settings including public transport, shops and museums.

There are some exemptions for younger children, and on health grounds.

The tougher enforcement measures come as the Prime Minister confirmed plans to open up more of the economy from Saturday, August 15.

A number of reopenings originally planned for Saturday, August 1 were postponed for at least a fortnight due to fears over a slight increase in the number of people in England testing positive for the virus.

As per the Government’s latest announcement, these are the changes coming into force from Saturday:

*Indoor theatre, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with audiences observing social distancing

*Pilots of spectators at sporting events will resume

*Casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft plays can reopen

*Close-contact beauty services can resume – but staff will have to wear a mask as well as a clear visor

*Wedding receptions for up to 30 guests will be allowed

*Pilots will take place at conference venues ahead of the expected resumption of business events from the autumn – October 1 at the earliest

The latest lockdown easing will also not apply in the areas currently subject to local lockdown restrictions.

The Prime Minister said on Thursday: “Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent."

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here.

Thank you.