THE use of face coverings have become mandatory in shops across Renfrewshire from today as part of the ongoing effort to defeat coronavirus.

Police can issue £60 on-the-spot fines to those who flout the new rule.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that using face coverings, which are already mandatory on public transport, could help reduce the risk of transmission indoors.

“We have proceeded for a period with a voluntary approach to this,” she said.

“Some people are complying and some are not. I’m not pointing fingers or trying to blame people for that but we have to make a judgement if we’re heading into a period where more people are interacting.”

Young children and people with certain health conditions will be exempt from the new rule.

The Scottish Grocers Federation said it was “extremely disappointed” at the move to make face coverings mandatory, saying it would increase pressure on staff to enforce measures.

Ms Sturgeon said shop staff would not be expected to enforce the rule, with the police instead mandated to issue fixed penalty notices.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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