English mask plan will help tackle high Covid death rate for shop staff – Matt Hancock

Retail workers up to 75% more likely to die from virus than rest of population, says health secretary

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Mandatory mask-wearing will protect shop assistants who can be up to 75% more likely to die of coronavirus than the general population, Matt Hancock has said.

The health secretary said the move to make face coverings mandatory for shoppers in England from 24 July would protect shopkeepers and reassure people when they are visiting the high street.