PLANS to make face coverings mandatory in shops in England have provoked an angry reaction among right-wing commentators online, who have resorted to calling masks “muzzles” in response.

The UK Government followed in Scotland’s footsteps this week when they announced that from July 24 it will be compulsory to wear a face covering in stores to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Earlier in the pandemic, members of the public were told they did not need to wear face coverings in public – however health experts around the world now say the evidence shows masks can prevent the virus spreading, so the more people wearing them the better.

Evidence has been found to show face coverings protect others from catching the virus from the person wearing one. However, studies show social distancing measures should be followed along with mask wearing.

READ MORE: Police Scotland issue no fines to people breaking rules on masks

Commentator Isabel Oakeshott reacted angrily as it emerged face coverings would be mandatory in England after days of UK Government dithering.

She wrote online: “Muzzles should be voluntary, not mandatory. Another sinister encroachment of the state!

“Michael Gove was right – keep the law out of it; and let people exercise their common sense.”

Another conservative commentator, Esther K, repeated the sentiment and added she does “not care” about the virus, which she branded “Kung flu”.

She wrote: “I simply do not care about the Kung flu. I'm sick of hearing about it. I'm tired of our incompetent government trying to force us to wear muzzles. I'm fed up with the same virtue signalling twats that went out to protest disturbing me about masks. I Just. Don't. Care.”

Journalist Peter Hitchens also posted numerous tweets calling masks “muzzles”.

Meanwhile in Scotland it emerged the police did not have to issue any fines to people ignoring guidance on face coverings over the weekend.

On Friday, it became mandatory to wear coverings in Scotland’s shops. It was already compulsory on public transport.

The First Minister said there had been evidence of “extremely high” compliance with the new rules.