BORIS Johnson has said people "should be wearing" face masks in shops, to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Prime Minister addressed the issue while visiting ambulance staff in London on Monday.

Face coverings are currently compulsory on public transport, and Mr Johnson said the government would decide over the coming days whether or not to make them mandatory in shops. 

Mr Johnson said: "I think people should be wearing (face masks) in shops. And, in terms of how we do that whether we make it mandatory or not, we'll be looking at the guidance - we'll be seeing a little bit more in the next few days.

"Throughout this crisis people have shown amazing sensitivity towards other people and understanding of the needs to get the virus down by doing things co-operatively.

"We'll be looking in the next few days about exactly how - with what tools of enforcement - we think we want to make progress."

The comments came a day after cabinet minister Michael Gove said masks should not become compulsory in shops. 

Labour accused the government of having "a lack of clarity" on the issue.