Coronavirus: Newark sees increase in face covering and mask sales as wearing one becomes mandatory from July 24

As the wearing of face coverings in shops is to become compulsory from July 24, it seems Newark's supply is quickly drying up.

With some Newark businesses having completely run out of stock, face coverings are proving to be as in demand as toilet rolls and hand sanitiser during the first few months of lockdown.

Our reporter took a look around some shops on Thursday (July 16) to see what, if any, face coverings were on offer. Here were the results.

Poundland, St Mark's Place

Poundland was offering reusable adult and children's face coverings. There was a choice between blue or pink designs for kids and blue or black for adults. The store was also selling disposable masks in packs of two.

Wilko, St Mark's Place

The branch said it had sold out of adult face coverings on Wednesday but were hoping to receive more in its delivery on Friday. A small selection of black children's masks were on offer, however.

Yorkshire Trading, Middlegate

Having ran out of face coverings on Tuesday, the company got more in — offering black and grey for adults and a small selection of children's coverings. Although it had a good stock, the store said there had been a flurry of customers in to buy them, fearing they could sell out again soon.

Savers, Middlegate

The store had completely run out of face coverings and masks.

Boyes, Appletongate

Boyes was selling a number of different designed face coverings, both for adults and children. They varied from plain colours to rainbow, scooter and butterfly designs. The store seemed to have a good stock of coverings.

Boots, Stodman Street

The branch was not selling reusable face coverings in store, but customers can buy them online. It is offering, however, boxes of disposable face masks that vary from £15 to £30. There was a fair amount of stock.

Asda, Lombard Street

Although it had a fair amount on disposable masks on offer in packs of four, the supermarket was not offering reusable face coverings in store.

Lincolnshire Co-op, Barnbygate

The Co-op said it did not currently have any face coverings or masks for sale, but added it could be receiving a delivery in the next couple of days.