London, July 14 -- Face covering will become mandatory in shops across England starting from July 24, a Downing Street spokesman said.

On June 15, the UK government made wearing face masks on public transport mandatory. Throughout last week, conflicting statements were made by several cabinet officials on whether masks would also be made mandatory in other confined public spaces, such as shops.

The measures will be enforced by the police on the territory of England, with anyone ignoring them at risk of a fine of up to 100 pounds ($125).

Further details will be announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Tuesday.

During the first few months of the outbreak in the United Kingdom, various officials, Prime Minister Boris Johnson include...