Health Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed that the new mask wearing rules for shops and public transport will come into force on Tuesday (November 30).
All travellers returning to the UK will also require PCR testing.
These are temporary and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant in the UK, the government has confirmed.
Face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from doing so.
All travellers arriving into the country from 4am on Tuesday will be required to take a PCR test on or before day 2 and self isolate until they have received a negative test result. These PCR tests can be purchased from private providers.
Free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose.
This update adds to the measures rapidly implemented earlier this week to prevent the spread of the new variant including travel restrictions and meaning all close contacts of anyone who has tested positive for the Omicron variant are required to isolate for 10 days regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
