People who refuse to wear face masks on public transport and in shops could face fines of £200, it’s reported.
Face coverings will become mandatory again from Tuesday after three cases of Omicron, the most concerning Covid variant so far, were discovered in the UK.
Ministers have reportedly been warned the move will be met with a ‘high degree of non-compliance’.
But they are said to be hoping the reemergence of heavy fines will convince the public to follow the law.
Anyone who flouts face-covering rules will face an initial fine of £200, The Telegraph claims.
Similarly to earlier in 2021, this could rise to £400 for a second offence, and £800 for a third.
A maximum charge of £6,400 is to be tabled in the House of Commons on Monday, it’s believed.
Those who pay their first fine within 14 days will reportedly see it halved to £100.
Face masks will not be mandatory in pubs or restaurants, or at cinemas and theatres.
But the Department of Education has told all headteachers to make them compulsory for secondary pupils and visitors in communal areas.
Travel rules are also tightening up, with anyone arriving in England ordered to take a PCR test on day two and to self-isolate until they have a negative result.
Despite fears over the new variant, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has advised people to ‘continue with their plans as normal for Christmas’.
He insisted it will be ‘a great Christmas’ – but added that it ‘would be irresponsible to make guarantees’ during the ever-changing pandemic.
The Department of Health and Social Care told Metro.co.uk: ‘In light of the new Omicron variant the government has taken swift and decisive action to mandate face coverings in some settings including shops and on public transport.
‘Face coverings can provide protection to those around you and can help prevent the spread of the virus.
‘This legal requirement will come into effect at 4am on Tuesday 30 November.’
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