England to enforce compulsory face masks in shops, scientists warn of 120,000

The government is to announce compulsory face coverings in shops and supermarkets in England as of July 24.

Those who will not comply could face fines of up to £100.

Similar rules are already in place in Scotland and in several European countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany.

Companies such as planarTECH, Haydale Graphene Industries PLC () and () have switched some capacity to the production of graphene-based face masks, while () is to distribute and market dedicated vending machines.

“Whilst wearing a mask may take the consumer some getting used to, this relatively cheap measure could help prevent further lockdowns, which are already beginning to mount up around the world,” analysts at Peel Hunt commented.

Scientists warn of second wave impact

A report published today by the Academy of Medical Sciences, which requested by the UK’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, has warned of some potential 120,000 new deaths if there is a second wave of infections this winter.

A “reasonable” worst-case scenario would see between 24,500 and 251,000 deaths related to coronavirus in hospitals alone.

There have been 44,830 deaths for 290,000 confirmed cases in the UK so far.

Professor Stephen Holgate says the UK has two or three months to prepare for a second wave, and explains the recommended ways for the country to prepare.#KayBurley
Read more on this story: https://t.co/Z39x3iyerl pic.twitter.com/Lo3aNUY8qQ

— SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 14, 2020

Scientists suggested prevention measures such as minimising community transmission and impact, organising health and social care settings to maximise infection control and improving public surveillance.

June pickup for retail

The British Retail Consortium posted a 3.4% increase in total sales last month, against a 1.6% decrease in June 2019, the first growth registered since the lockdown.

The trade body said it was mostly driven by online as a result of easier restrictions and pent up demand being released.

“Though a month of growth is welcome news, retail is not out of the woods yet,” said chief executive Helen Dickinson.

“The pandemic continues to pose huge challenges to the industry, with ongoing stores closures and job losses across the UK.”