WEARING face coverings in shops will be mandatory for the "foreseeable future", Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned today.

The order - which was announced on Monday evening and comes into force a week on Friday (July 24) - is part of efforts by the Government to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Anyone failing to comply could face a fine of up to £100.

Some MPs have complained that the mandatory wearing of masks is a violation of civil liberties.

There have also been warnings that it will deter shoppers just as high streets are reopening with the easing of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Mr Hancock insisted the wearing of face coverings in shops and on public transport is essential to prevent the virus getting out of control again.

In an interview on BBC Breakfast, Mr Hancock said: "People will have to wear masks in shops and on public transport and in the NHS for the foreseeable future.

"The virus exists only to multiply and, without any measures, we know that each person infects another two to three people so we do have to have these measures in place, even though the number of cases are really low, to keep a grip on the virus."

He denied reports that he is planning to extend the requirement to offices.

"That isn’t going to happen and the reason is in offices you tend to spend a lot of time with the same people.

"Where the mask benefits is from you spreading the disease to other people when you have relatively short interactions with lots of different people."