Wearing a mask will now be compulsory in shops in England from Friday July 24.

The move will bring England in line with the rest of Europe, and indeed our close Scottish neighbours.

People caught flouting the new law could face fines of up to £100.

Hopefully, that measure won't be necessary for most Cumbrians, as residents of the county have already shown how considerate and responsible they are when it comes to curbing the spread of coronavirus.

There have been some naysayers, particularly on social media, who have said the new rule is oppressive, and that the Government is over-reaching by dictating to us something that should be a personal choice.

Others have also pointed out that the science on the effectiveness of masks is so far unsure.

However, in the grand scheme of things, being made to wear a mask is no great curtailing of individual liberty, particularly when easing lockdown guidelines allows us so much more freedom than before.

Furthermore, even if the science is not yet settled - we must do everything we can to halt the spread of this deadly virus, even if there is only a slim chance our actions will help.

Looking slightly silly in a mask is a small price to pay for regaining our freedom.