Covid: Britons who refuse to wear masks face £200 fine amid Omicron fears

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Travelers face PCR tests and people must wear masks on public transport amid concerns about the Omicron variant (Image: AP)

It is said that people who refuse to wear face masks on public transport and in shops could face fines of £200.

Face coverings will become mandatory again from Tuesday after three cases of Omicron, the most worrying type of Covid to date, were discovered in the UK.

Ministers were reportedly warned that the move would be met with a “high degree of non-compliance”.

But they are said to be hopeful that the emergence of heavy fines will persuade the public to follow the law.

The Telegraph claims that anyone violating face covering rules will face an initial fine of £200.

Similar to what happened earlier in 2021, this could rise to £400 for a second offense, and £800 for a third.

It is believed that a maximum fee of £6,400 will be brought up in the House of Commons on Monday.

Reportedly, those who pay the first fine within 14 days will see it halve to £100.

Three cases of Omicron have been found in the UK so far (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Face masks will not be mandatory in bars, restaurants, or in cinemas and theatres.

But the Ministry of Education has asked all school administrators to make it mandatory for high school students and visitors in public areas.

Travel rules are also being tightened, with anyone arriving in England being required to take a PCR test on day two and self-isolate until a negative result comes back.

Despite concerns about the new alternative, Health Minister Sajid Javid advised people to “continue with their plans as normal for Christmas”.

More: Corona virus

He insisted it would be “a wonderful Christmas” – but added that it would be “irresponsible to offer 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 enforce face coverings in some places including stores and public transport.

Face coverings can provide protection for those around you and can help prevent the spread of the virus.

“This legal requirement will go into effect at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30.”

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