Face coverings in shops now compulsory in Northern Ireland
Wearing a face covering in shops and enclosed public spaces across Northern Ireland becomes compulsory from today (Monday).
Retailers have urged the public to respect the new rules.
Unless you have a reasonable excuse not to wear a mask, you may face a fine for not doing so.
Breaches of the new rule can result in a fixed penalty notice of £60 which will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
Announcing the measure agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive last Thursday, First Minister Arlene Foster said it was about trying to give confidence to people who feel vulnerable as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
In a joint statement on Sunday evening, the Executive described the use of face coverings as a "vital defence in our battle against Covid-19''.
"This is about looking after each other and doing everything we can to stay on top of this virus. It will help to save lives,'' they said.
"Now that the lockdown has been eased, we must keep following public health advice, whether that be wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing or washing our hands.
"We need to maintain the collective spirit that got us through the first surge of the virus.
"We want face coverings in shops and other enclosed settings to increasingly become the norm in our society. But it also has to be remembered that some people cannot wear face coverings, due to a disability or health condition.
"There should be no stigma attached to anyone in these circumstances. If those of us who can cover up do so, then it will help keep everyone safe.''
They added: "We are confident most people will comply, but those who do not wear a face covering without a reasonable excuse risk being issued with a fixed penalty notice by the police.''
Aodhan Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said the responsibility lies with customers.
"Retailers are doing all they can to support necessary safety regulations and will play their role in communicating and encouraging the Executive's new policy on face coverings,'' he said.
"While enforcement of this policy will be handled by the police, the ultimate responsibility remains with customers who must ensure that they wear a face covering when going into stores.
"Our shopping experience is changing, and we ask customers to be respectful and considerate when the new rules come into force today.
"We would urge everyone who can wear face coverings to abide by the law and do so. This is not just about a legal responsibility - it's about protecting each other. Please wear one - and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do likewise. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring compliance.''
Mr Connolly added: "We look forward to further Executive communications on this to ensure everyone understands the reasons for these changes. It is vital that consumers are confident enough to return to their high streets, as demand remains low despite the lifting of lockdown.
"If sales and footfall fail to recover quickly, Government should urgently consider steps to boost demand or else we will see many more shop closures and subsequent job losses.''
The legislation does not apply to children under 13, or those who cannot wear a mask because of health or disability reasons. Further information is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/face-coverings.
The daily coronavirus figures published by the Department of Health have seen a rise in transmissions over the last week.
On Friday, they recorded 15 new cases bringing the total in the region to 6,064.
The R number in Northern Ireland has been estimated to be between 0.8 and 1.8.
Chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young has urged continued vigilance.