Face masks are to become COMPULSORY on public transport, it has been announced. 

The transport minister Grant Shapps said face coverings were to become mandatory from June 15.

He said this was to keep people safe on public transport as the number of people travelling starts to rise.

His comments came at the daily press briefing at Downing Street.

Speaking this afternoon, Mr Shapps said: "I want to highlight the measures we are taking to keep people safe on public transport.

"If you can work from home, you should continue to do so. If you cannot work from home, you should avoid public transport wherever possible. You should avoid travelling at rush hour.

"I can announce that as of Monday, June 15, face coverings will become mandatory on public transport. This doesn't mean surgical masks, which we must keep for clinical settings.

"It means the kind of face covering you can easily make at home. There will be exmemptions, but broadly as we come through this phase, we will be doing what other countries are asking their residents to do."

If they are not wearing one, they could be fined or refused travel.

Scientific evidence shows face coverings can stop you passing coronavirus on to others if you are asymptomatic or have yet to develop symptoms.

What does this mean?

From June 15, you should wear a face covering on public transport from June 15. It does not have to be a medical mask, it can be a homemade covering.

What happens if I don't have one?

You could be refused travel on public transport and even fined.

Are there any exemptions?

Vulernable and children will be exempt from the new restrictions. Public transport staff will have to wear face coverings too. 

What type of face mask should you buy?

Senior advisers in SAGE recommend a face covering that you can make yourself, or use something like a bandana or thick scarf for when you're out and about, saving you money so the NHS can get the top grade PPE.

High demand means a lot of retailers have already sold out, but there are some shops with stock.

Just make sure to check delivery times beforehand as your order may be delayed due to the coronavirus.