Coronavirus: Number 10 contradicts Health Secretary Matt Hancock on face mask rules after sandwich shop confusion

Downing Street has suggested face masks won't be mandatory when buying takeaway from a sandwich shop - contradicting what Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News hours earlier.

From 24 July, the wearing of a face covering will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England, with a fine of up to £100 for those who do not comply.

But, ahead of the measure being introduced, there was confusion about whether a face mask should be worn in takeaway food shops.

Cabinet ministers Liz Truss and Michael Gove have this week both been pictured entering the same branch of sandwich shop Pret A Manger in Westminster.

But while Ms Truss donned a face mask, Mr Gove did not when he entered just minutes later.

Appearing on Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show on Wednesday morning, Mr Hancock was quizzed about what the rules would be from 24 July.

He explained that customers such as Mr Gove would need to wear a face mask in Pret branches because it is classed as a shop.

"If there is table service, then it is not necessary to have a mask," the health secretary said.

"But in any shop you do need the mask. So, if you're going up to the counter in Pret to buy takeaway, that is a shop - that is Pret operating as a shop."

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However, later on Wednesday, Downing Street appeared to contradict Mr Hancock's view.

The prime minister's official spokesman said: "We will be publishing the full guidance shortly but my understanding is that it wouldn't be mandatory if you went in, for example, to a sandwich shop in order to get a takeaway to wear a face covering.

"It is mandatory... we are talking about supermarkets and other shops, rather than food shops."

To add to the confusion, Chancellor Rishi Sunak posted a picture of himself in a Pret branch while wearing a face mask.

"Making the most of @Pret's price cut in response to the VAT reduction that takes effect today for the tourism and hospitality sectors," the chancellor posted on Twitter.

"As part of our #PlanForJobs this temporary cut will help over 150,000 businesses protect the jobs of 2.4 million people."

Labour's shadow health minister Justin Madder said the conflicting statements were "just hopeless".

"We have had mixed messages from government all week and it seems that once again they are making it up as they go along," he told Sky News.

"We need clear and consistent messages about when the wearing of a face covering will be compulsory not attempts at redefining what a shop is.

"Public safety and confidence are key to preventing a second wave and the government need to raise their game in ensuring that everyone knows when the wearing of a mask is required."