FACE coverings in shops in the North of Ireland shops become mandatory from 20 August if most people do not use them voluntarily.
The Stormont Executive has announced that it will be legislating to have the power to make masks mandatory.
However, first it will launch a public information campaign to encourage the use of coverings.
The executive said it will consider the impact of the campaign by August 20 and then potentially enforce the measure.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said face coverings “are effective if everybody uses them”.
Face coverings are now compulsory for customers in shops in England, after new coronavirus rules came into force within 12 hours of the government issuing guidance on the change.
Coverings are mandatory in enclosed public spaces such as supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, transport hubs, banks and takeaways.
Police can hand out fines of up to £100 to those who do not comply.
But some retailers have insisted they will not enforce the rule.
Sainsbury’s and Costa Coffee said their staff will not challenge customers who enter their stores without masks, while Asda said enforcement was the “responsibility of the relevant authorities”.
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