UK coronavirus LIVE: Death toll up by 148 as Boris Johnson signals stricter face mask rules in England

Boris Johnson has hinted that face coverings could be made mandatory in shops in England in the coming weeks, in a move that has been cautiously backed by top UK scientists.

The Prime Minister said he wanted to be “stricter” on insisting people wear mouth and nose coverings in confined spaces where they are meeting people they do not normally see.

Mr Johnson made the suggestion at a session of People's PMQs on Friday, as pubs geared up for the second weekend of trade since the lifting of coronavirus lockdown measures.

Crowds in London’s Soho last Saturday night were described as being “out of control”, and authorities are keen to avoid similar scenes this weekend. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has told people to “stay safe” and wear a face mask when “out and about”.

It comes as the UK's official Covid-19 death toll rose by 148 to 44,798, with Scotland reporting no new fatalities and just seven new cases of the virus.

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