First Minister Arlene Foster explains why we should be wearing masks

Arlene Foster clarified the NI Executive's announcement on the wearing of face coverings in indoor spaces.

Speaking on our 'Coronavirus in Northern Ireland' Facebook Live show, NI's First Minister said 'We have decided to work with the retail sector to try and get a message out around why people should wear coverings in that setting'

The Executive have encouraged people to wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing could be more challenging such as retail stores and other indoor settings.

We want to ensure people have confidence to come out and shop on our high streets and support local business - Arlene Foster

The request came with the caveat that if the Executive don't see "voluntary compliance" by August 20th, the date government will relook at the situation, then 'mandatory introduction' would be looked at.

Arlene's comments come as party colleague Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim has referred to the wearing of face coverings as being 'muzzled'

Face coverings are already mandatory on public transport in all areas of the UK including Northern Ireland while Scotland also requires their use inside shops and England inside many indoor settings including shops, cinemas and bingo halls.

Friday's Department of Health statistics showed an 18th day without a COVID-19 related death in Northern Ireland.

10 new cases of the virus were deteched as Northern Ireland became the first area of the UK to release a contract tracing app. The new 'STOPCOVID NI' app can be downloaded for Apple devices here and Android devices here

• Arlene Foster
• dup
• face coverings
• coronavirus