FACE masks are no longer mandatory in shops and on most public transport after the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England were lifted on Monday.

But the Government has said people will still be expected to wear face coverings in certain situations and ministers have urged people to “respect” businesses and public transport providers insisting on mask wearing continuing.

Here the Gazette looks at where people will need to wear face coverings now restrictions have eased.

What are the rules on wearing masks in England now?

People are no longer required by law to wear face coverings in certain settings now the remaining restrictions in England have been lifted.

But the latest guidance, issued last week, says the Government “expects and recommends” masks to be worn by workers and customers in crowded, enclosed spaces such as public transport.

Does this mean that people do not need to carry masks with them anymore?

It is probably best not to be too quick to throw away your mask.

Health leaders, local politicians, shop bosses and transport chiefs have all said that they will continue to require or encourage people to wear face coverings.

This means that face coverings may be required in some premises, on some bus and train services, hospitals and GP surgeries.

Do people still need masks to go to the shops then?

Festival Place say they will to continue to advise customers to wear a mask despite restrictions easing on July 19.

A spokesperson for Festival Place told the Gazette: “As we look forward to the further easing of restrictions on July 19, we want to reiterate government advice which is the ‘expectation’ and ‘recommendation’ that face coverings be worn indoors, especially in crowded areas.

“The health and safety of our visitors, staff and retailers remain our priority and while there is no legal requirement to wear face coverings indoors from the 19th July, we understand that many people will still feel more comfortable wearing them.

“Therefore, if they are able to do so we would recommend that our visitors continue to wear face coverings when inside Festival Place.

“Some of our retailers may also wish to ask their customers to wear a face covering while in their stores and that remains their decision.”

Willows - Coffee House has also asked customers to continue to wear face covering.

On a Facebook post they wrote: "To all our lovely customers. Please could we politely ask you to continue to wear your masks after Monday's Covid rule relaxation of rules as we have a young team and not all have been double jabbed yet.Please don't be offended if they ask you to put your masks on, even if you've been double jabbed, as we want to remain as open as possible."

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s on Wednesday said it would encourage all customers to continue wearing face coverings from July 19 if they can.

Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons and Waitrose also came out to say they will encourage customers and staff to continue wearing masks in their supermarkets from when restrictions ease.

Staff and customers at Waitrose and John Lewis have also been recommended to continue wearing masks but the John Lewis Partnership said it will ultimately be up to individual judgment.

What about going to a hospital or GP appointment?

Staff, patients and visitors in all NHS settings must continue to wear face coverings and observe social distancing, Public Health England (PHE) has said.

PHE said infection prevention measures and visiting guidance will continue across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies, to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting, as well as using face coverings and other personal protection equipment.