The government has recommended that people wear face coverings in “crowded and enclosed spaces” where they may come into contact with those they don’t normally meet.

But businesses can set their own rules – so what are some of the major retailers saying?

Primark

Primark is hopeful its customers will still wear a face covering unless exempt. The store will also be keeping the Perspex screens in place and may have a policy of waiting outside at busy or peak times.

A Primark spokesperson said: “Even though it will no longer be a legal requirement, we hope that people will continue to think of others and wear a face covering if they can.”

Stagecoach

Passengers on Peterborough buses will be expected to continue to wear face masks when travelling.

Stagecoach guidelines say: “Following the UK government's decision to proceed with step four of its Covid-19 roadmap, face coverings and social distancing are no longer required in England.

“We are continuing to follow government guidance, which says that people are expected and recommended to continue wearing them during journeys on public transport.”

Waterstones

The UK high street bookseller announced on July 13 that it would continue to ask its customers to observe social distancing and wear masks.

In a statement the chain said: “Given our enclosed browsing environment, we encourage our customers to wear face masks and observe social distancing, respecting the safety of staff and fellow book lovers.”

Wilko

A Wilko spokesperson said that “safety remains a top priority” and that they would be continuing to encourage face coverings for staff and customers.

Home Bargains

Home Bargains has not updated its guidance, meaning that measures are still in place across UK stores. Announcements will still be made over the tannoy to remind customers to social distance and wear masks, with signage and sanitising stations still in place.

Poundland

A spokesperson for Poundland acknowledged that the rules had been changed to make mask-wearing a “personal choice” but said “we understand why many customers and colleagues will want to still wear them”.

Screens at checkouts and sanitising stations are likely to stay so customers can feel more confident while shopping.

B&Q

To maintain a consistent view across all of its UK stores, B&Q is keeping social distancing measures in place and asking customers to continue to wear a face covering unless exempt.

Other measures still in place include floor markers and signage to remind everyone to respect each other’s space, marshalls to help customers navigate around the stores safely, sanitising stations and Perspex screens at checkouts.

Many Peterborough supermarkets are also encouraging continued mask-wearing and Nene Park has asked visitors to wear coverings and keep their distance from others in the park's indoor venues.