SHOULD face coverings be made compulsory and did the government make the right decision?

Boris Johnson announced it will be compulsory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets from July 24 to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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After much confusion when senior Cabinet minister, Michael Gove told the BBC on Sunday that face coverings would not be made mandatory in shops, but should be worn out of courtesy and consideration for others, saying he 'trusts people's common sense'.

From next week, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in shops and you will be fined £100 if you don't wear one.

Masks and other face coverings are worn to help prevent wearers spreading coronavirus, rather than catching it.

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Ahead of the announcement, we asked readers whether wearing a face mask in shops should be compulsory.

So far in our online poll, 64 per cent of people who voted said they will be going to the shops less as they 'hate face masks'.

36 per cent said they don't mind wearing one.

Here's what you said:

Cindie Pulling said: "Whilst I think it is stupid (shutting the gate after the horse has bolted scenario) I also think there will be another wave of this horrible virus and I would rather be safe than sorry."

Patrick Cooper said "Yes - should have been made compulsory much earlier. Will reduce the chances of you infecting others, but hand washing and social distancing must remain vital practice as well."

Eileen Dunn said: "Definitely. I automatically put it on when I head out to the shops and do get peeved when people walk close with no mask on."

Janine Swan added: "Definitely not. It should be a personal decision. All this time it hasn’t been an issue and now all of a sudden it is."

Barry Smithers also said: "Nope it should be up to you. If the shops say you have to have one on then so be it. Its up to you then if you go in. Simple."

Emma Sampford said: "I think it should be personal preference, I don't wear them as I find them hard to breathe in."

Debbie Ferrari said: "Should not be mandatory, it should be a matter of choice!"