MASKS are once again compulsory in many public places across England.

From 4am today, face coverings are once again mandatory in shops and settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers. They must also be worn on public transport.

The latest regulations, introduced as fears mount over the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, do not apply to hospitality settings though, meaning masks do not have to be worn in restaurants or pubs.

As part of the urgent measures to try and stop the spread of the new variant, booster vaccines will also now be offered to people aged 18 to 39 and the time between the second and third dose has been slashed from six months to three.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The measures taking effect today are proportionate and responsible, and will buy us time in the face of this new variant.

“Based on everything we know, our vaccines and boosters remain our best line of defence, so it is more important than ever that people come forward when eligible to get boosted.

“Not only will today’s steps help us slow down the variant’s spread, but they will help us protect each other and the gains we have all worked so hard for.”