MASK wearing will be a "personal choice" at Merry Hill when rules on mask wearing end this week.

As of Thursday January 27, the government's Plan B restrictions in England will be lifted, with the rule on mandatory face coverings in public places to be dropped.

Face masks will no longer be compulsory in indoor public spaces, such as shops.

Bosses at Merry Hill said it will be "personal choice" for shoppers visiting them after January 27, but added that individual stores within the centre may have their own policies.

A spokesperson for Merry Hill said: “The safety of our visitors and those working at Merry Hill remains our top priority. As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted across England, we thank everyone visiting and working at the centre for adhering to the changing government guidance, and want everyone to continue to feel safe and comfortable.

“While wearing a face covering indoors will no longer be a legal requirement from Thursday 27th January, continuing to do so will become a personal choice of our visitors and for those working in the centre. We ask that people remain respectful to each other and we encourage sensible choices when visiting us.

“Across the centre, our individual stores will also have their own policies and we ask everyone to be respectful of the guidance given.

“Enhanced cleaning regimes at the centre will continue to remain in place, with a strong focus on touch point areas.”

Mask rules returned in November to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.

Alongside the easing of mask rules on January 27, working from home guidance has ended and Covid passes, such as proof vaccination or a recent negative test, will no longer be mandatory for entry to nightclubs and other large venues.

The legal requirement to isolate if you test positive for Covid-19 remains in place.