THE public are now being encouraged to wear face coverings while on public transport, in enclosed spaces and in shops, the Government's coronavirus recovery plan has revealed.

On Monday afternoon, the COVID-19 Recovery Strategy was published setting out what the Government saw as being possible now and what may be possible in the future.

The new document, published just before Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to deliver a Commons statement, said the public shoud "aim" to wear a face covering when going outdoors.

The advice said: "As more people return to work, there will be more movement outside people's immediate household.

"This increased mobility means the Government is now advising that people should aim to wear a face-covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops."

It said that homemade cloth face coverings could help to reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances.

But although face coverings were not intended to help the wearer, they would help protect against inadvertent transmission of the disease to others if you have it asymptomatically.

It said: "A face covering is not the same as a face mask such as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers.

"These supplies must continue to be reserved for those who need it. Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of two, or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly, for example primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.

"It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off."

The Government have provided advice on how to wear and make a cloth face covering here.

Among the fresh guidance issued today, the document also said:

- International travellers will be asked to quarantine for 14 days when they enter the country, either in accommodation of their choice or provided by the Government if there are no other options.

- The Government's ambition is that all primary school children will be able to go to school for a month before the summer holidays.

- Those who are shielding should continue to shield though it may become clear that those less at risk can be given more freedoms.

- The Government is examining "how to enable people to gather in slightly larger groups to better facilitate small weddings".

- Those who are not in the shielded group but who are more vulnerable to Covid-19, such as the over-70s, should "continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their households, but do not need to be shielded."

- Cultural and sporting events will be able to take place behind closed doors for broadcast from next month, avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact.