From today (Tuesday, November 30) face coverings are required on public transport and in retail settings other than hospitality across Preston and Lancashire.
All travellers returning to the UK will now require PCR testing again, rather than the day two lateral flow which had become commonplace.
This is to curb the spread of the Delta variant, and the newly discovered Omicron.
Read more: Preston Council leader says new mandatory mask rules are ‘small sacrifice’
There are currently 14 confirmed cases of Omicron in the United Kingdom.
@BIDPreston tweeted: “From today wearing a face covering is a requirement in retail settings and on public transport.
“If you aren’t exempt, please do your bit. Please remember, store colleagues don’t make the rules – be kind to each other.”
The reaction to compulsory mask wearing has been mixed, with some people predicting the government’s next steps.
@curiousred54replied to @BIDPreston saying: “So you can bet what’s coming next. Can’t visit family/friends indoors over Christmas and no large gatherings, meaning New Year cancellation once again…”
@Prestonmarkets tweeted: “From today, Tuesday November 30, face coverings will be compulsory while visiting #PrestonMarkets.
“Please follow the rules outlined by Government for the safety of yourselves, fellow shoppers, our traders and staff.”
The government have now also announced that those awaiting booster jabs can have them three months after their last dose.
Previously, you had to wait 182 days between doses, so the waiting time has been halved.
All adults are now eligible for the booster jab too.
This move comes as the UK hopes to protect all eligible adults in the country from the new variant, and current variants of Covid-19.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
How do you feel about the government making masks mandatory again? Let us know in the comments below.